Machine Vision Positioning With Stereo Precision Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The measurement precision of vision sensors in machine control devices is low, leading to potential collisions between tools and workpieces, as the existing systems do not adequately consider the precision when positioning based on image data from these sensors.

Innovation Solution

A machine control device that uses a stereo camera method to calculate and enhance measurement precision by adjusting the imaging positions and orientation of the vision sensor, determining if the precision meets predetermined standards, and adjusting the inter-viewpoint distance to achieve the required precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If vision sensor is used for positioning without considering measurement precision, then positioning speed is improved, but collision risk increases and safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning speedVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement precision evaluation before positioning operations. The measurement precision evaluation unit assesses the vision sensor's measurement precision in advance, and the control unit uses this evaluation result to determine whether positioning can proceed safely, preventing collisions before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where measurement precision information is continuously evaluated and fed back to the control unit. The control unit adjusts positioning operations based on this feedback, modifying control parameters when precision is insufficient to maintain safe operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If measurement precision is improved by using higher precision sensors, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a measurement precision evaluation unit as an intermediary component that works with the existing vision sensor. This unit calculates and evaluates measurement precision based on image data and sensor parameters without requiring replacement of the vision sensor itself, thus improving measurement capability while maintaining device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system improves measurement precision by changing control parameters and processing methods rather than hardware. The measurement precision evaluation unit analyzes image data with consideration of the vision sensor's characteristics, and the control unit adjusts positioning parameters based on evaluated precision levels, achieving improved measurement capability through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If control parameters are adjusted based on measurement precision evaluation, then safety is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial evaluation action by focusing measurement precision assessment on critical areas and parameters. The measurement precision evaluation unit evaluates precision where it matters most for safety, and the control unit adjusts parameters selectively based on these partial evaluations, reducing overall processing time while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 ensures safer operation by improving measurement precision, allowing the system to stop or adjust the control process when precision is insufficient, thereby preventing damage and enhancing the reliability of machining operations.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging device (for example, a vision sensor 2) to image the object (W)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage capture: Photography

Implementation Method 2

a measurement distance restoring unit 14 that restores a measurement distance of the object as positional information of the object based on at least two images among the two or more images, distance information between at least two imaging positions corresponding to the at least two images among the two or more imaging positions, and a parameter of the imaging device, by using a stereo camera method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStereo camera method: Parallax

Data Source

PatentUS11698434B2Machine control device
Publication Date: 2023.07.11 FANUC LTD
  • US11698434B2 patent drawing
  • US11698434B2 patent drawing
  • US11698434B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A machine control device includes an imaging control unit that controls an imaging device to capture two images at two different imaging positions; an imaging position information acquiring unit that acquires positional information of two imaging positions; a measurement distance restoring unit that restores a measurement distance of an object based on two images, distance information between two imaging positions, and a parameter of the imaging device, by using a stereo camera method; a measurement precision calculating unit that calculates a measurement precision of the measurement distance of the object based on two images, the distance information between two imaging positions, and the parameter of the imaging device; an area specifying unit that specifies a partial area of the object as a specified area; and a measurement precision determining unit that determines whether the measurement precision of the object satisfies a predetermined precision in the specified area.