Surface Texture Measuring Apparatus Edge Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surface texture measuring apparatuses equipped with probes having a single measurement axis and short range struggle to automatically detect edges, leading to detection errors and requiring manual or jig-based operation for setting workpiece coordinate systems, resulting in variability and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving scanning along preset preliminary measurement paths, temporarily registering measurement values before detection errors occur as temporary edge points, and setting these points as edge points when continuous errors are detected, allowing for automatic edge detection and coordinate system setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a contact or contactless probe with a single measurement axis and short range is used, then the measurement precision and adaptability to rigid objects are improved, but the ability to automatically detect edges is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning along preset measurement paths before actual measurement to detect edge positions. The control unit预先 sets multiple measurement paths that pass through edge portions, and the probe executes preliminary scans to identify edges based on sudden changes in measurement values, enabling automatic edge detection before formal measurement begins
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors measurement values during scanning and automatically detects edges when sudden changes exceed a threshold. The system provides feedback by registering edge points based on detection results and automatically adjusts measurement operations accordingly, enabling automated edge detection without manual intervention
2Measurement precision
If manual setting of workpiece coordinate system is performed, then the measurement precision can be maintained, but the productivity and consistency are reduced due to operator variability
Solution Approach 1:
The shape measuring apparatus automatically detects edge portions and sets the workpiece coordinate system without operator intervention. The control unit autonomously processes measurement data, identifies edges based on sudden value changes, registers edge points, and establishes the coordinate system, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating variability from manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines edge positions by detecting sudden changes in measurement parameters (height, position) during scanning. By monitoring parameter variations and identifying threshold exceedances, the system automatically establishes the workpiece coordinate system, improving both productivity and consistency
3Measurement precision
If multiple scanning operations are performed to detect edges, then the edge detection accuracy can be improved, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning along preset paths that are specifically designed to pass through edge portions. This preliminary action collects edge detection data in advance, allowing the control unit to identify edges and set the coordinate system before actual measurement begins, reducing total measurement time
Solution Approach 2:
The probe continuously scans along preset measurement paths without interruption to detect edge portions. The control unit continuously monitors measurement values during the scan and automatically identifies edges when sudden changes occur, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the process to minimize measurement time
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for controlling a surface texture measuring apparatus equipped with a probe that cannot detect an edge portion so as to automatically perform edge detection and automatically set a workpiece coordinate system. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce discrepancies by individual operators when setting a coordinate system, and improve the workability of coordinate system setting. A surface to be measured is scanned with a probe along a preset preliminary measurement path. When a detection error which causes when the surface to be measured is out of the tracking range of the probe occurs, a measurement value immediately before the detection error has occurred is temporarily registered as a temporary edge point. When the detection error continues during the subsequent scanning for a predetermined distance along the preliminary measurement path, the temporarily registered temporary edge point is set to an edge point.