Sewing Machine Stereo Vision Thickness Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewing machines require a separate mechanism to detect the thickness of the work cloth, which can lead to inaccuracies in computing three-dimensional coordinates if the height coordinate is not set appropriately.
Innovation Solution
A sewing machine that acquires accurate position information from images captured by an image capture portion without adding a new mechanism, by moving a sewing object with a pattern to different positions and computing the thickness and pattern position based on the captured images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate mechanism is added to detect the thickness of the work cloth, then the measurement precision of cloth thickness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thickness detection function with the existing image capture device by utilizing stereo vision technology. Two image capture devices capture images from different positions, and the computing portion calculates thickness information by processing these images, eliminating the need for a separate thickness detection mechanism while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based thickness detection mechanism with an optical-based stereo vision system. Instead of using physical sensors that contact the work cloth, the system uses image capture devices and computational algorithms to non-contactly measure thickness, reducing mechanical complexity
2Measurement precision
If the height coordinate is not set appropriately, then the three-dimensional coordinates computation accuracy deteriorates, but adding a separate detection mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images at two different known positions of the work cloth and uses the computed thickness information as feedback to accurately determine the height coordinate. This feedback loop allows the system to self-correct and achieve accurate three-dimensional coordinates without requiring manual height coordinate setting or additional detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image capture to three-dimensional information extraction by capturing images at two different positions and computing thickness as a third dimension. This dimensional approach allows accurate three-dimensional coordinates computation using only the image capture device, without needing separate height measurement mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If a separate thickness detection mechanism is provided, then the thickness measurement capability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image capture device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both pattern recognition and thickness measurement tasks. The same image capture devices used for capturing the work cloth pattern are also used for thickness detection, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms and simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own image capture devices to perform thickness measurement, making the system self-sufficient. The computing portion processes images from the existing image capture devices to extract thickness information, allowing the system to serve its own measurement needs without external or separate detection devices
Data Source
AI summary
A sewing machine includes a moving portion that moves a sewing object having a pattern to a first position and to a second position, an image capture portion that creates an image by image capture of the sewing object, a first acquiring portion that acquires a first image created by image capture of a first area by the image capture portion, a second acquiring portion that acquires a second image created by image capture of a second area by the image capture portion, and a computing portion that computes, as position information, at least one of a thickness of the sewing object at a portion where the pattern is located and a position of the pattern on a surface of the sewing object, based on the first position, the second position, a position of the pattern in the first image, and a position of the pattern in the second image.