Shape Measurement Timing Estimation for Accurate Probe Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-contact shape measuring devices face accuracy issues due to temporal errors and variations in synchronizing image acquisition and coordinate data from separate devices, leading to inaccuracies in processing object shape calculations.
Innovation Solution
A processing system that includes a measuring unit, a control unit for generating positional information and a generation period signal, an acquisition unit for acquiring these signals, an estimation unit for calculating the generation period based on statistical values, and a shape calculation unit that uses this information to accurately determine the processing object's shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If image acquisition and coordinate data are obtained from separate devices independently, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but temporal errors occur between acquisitions leading to deterioration in measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by measuring the actual acquisition intervals of generation period signals, calculating statistical values, and using this information to estimate the true generation timing. This closed-loop approach compensates for temporal errors while maintaining independent operation of the measuring probe and NC machine tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces strict mechanical/synchronized timing control with a statistical estimation system. Instead of forcing synchronous acquisition through complex coordination mechanisms, the system uses software-based statistical analysis of acquisition intervals to estimate and compensate for temporal errors, substituting mechanical synchronization with computational correction.
2Measurement precision
If synchronous acquisition of image and coordinate data is enforced, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary estimation process that mediates between the independently operating measuring probe and NC machine tool. By measuring acquisition intervals and estimating generation timing through statistical analysis, the system creates a virtual synchronization mechanism that avoids direct coordination complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If temporal error compensation is implemented through complex synchronization mechanisms, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by having the measuring probe and NC machine tool continue to operate independently while the estimation unit automatically measures acquisition intervals, calculates statistical values, and compensates for temporal errors without requiring operator intervention or coordination. The system corrects its own timing errors autonomously.
Data Source
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AI summary
A processing system includes a control unit that generates positional information related to a position of a measuring unit at a time of measuring a processing object and outputs the generated positional information and a generation period signal indicating a period during which the positional information is generated, an acquisition unit that acquires the positional information and the generation period signal which have been output, an acquisition interval calculation unit that calculates a statistical value indicating an interval between acquisition periods regarding a plurality of generation period signals acquired by the acquisition unit, an estimation unit that estimates the period during which the positional information is generated on the basis of the statistical value calculated by the acquisition interval calculation unit, and a shape calculation unit that calculates a shape of the processing object on the basis of measurement information, the positional information, and the period estimated by the estimation unit.