Tool Imaging Laser Scanning Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging devices for tools face challenges in obtaining high-contrast images due to the movement of illumination devices during exposure, and the large irradiation angle of typical illumination sources like LEDs, which limits the accuracy of tool contour shape determination.

Innovation Solution

An imaging device that uses a laser output unit to output multiple laser beams intersecting the tool's longitudinal direction, combined with a driving mechanism for scanning these beams along the tool's length, and an imaging unit that synchronizes exposure time with the scanning movement to capture high-contrast images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large illumination device is used for large tools, then uniform irradiation and high-contrast images can be obtained, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage contrastVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device is divided into multiple independent illumination units arranged in an array. Each unit independently illuminates a specific region of the tool, allowing the system to handle tools of various sizes without requiring a single large illumination device. This segmentation reduces cost while maintaining uniform irradiation across the entire tool surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the illumination device moves during exposure, then imaging of large tools becomes possible, but image contrast decreases due to shadow position variation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging efficiencyVSAvoidcontour shape accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical movement of a single large illumination device with a stationary array of multiple illumination units. The laser beams from these fixed units scan across the tool surface optically rather than requiring physical movement, eliminating shadow position variation while maintaining imaging efficiency for tools of any size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If LED illumination is used, then cost is reduced, but the large irradiation angle causes shadow position variation and reduces contour accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidcontour shape accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the illumination parameter from broad-spectrum LED light to monochromatic laser beams. This parameter change provides highly directional illumination with minimal irradiation angle, eliminating shadow position variation and improving contour accuracy while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of affordable laser diodes arranged in an array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables efficient acquisition of high-contrast tool images regardless of tool length, improving the accuracy of tool contour shape determination and enhancing imaging efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a laser output unit configured to output a plurality of laser beams to be incident on a tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4541508A1Imaging device, tool storage device, and machine tool
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 DMG MORI CO LTD
  • EP4541508A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4541508A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4541508A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An imaging device includes: a laser output unit configured to output a plurality of laser beams to be incident on a tool in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the tool; a driving mechanism configured to drive the laser output unit to perform scanning with the plurality of laser beams in the longitudinal direction or a short direction of the tool; and an imaging unit configured to image the tool or a projection image of the tool in a state in which an exposure time in a single imaging is set to correspond to a movement time taken by the driving mechanism to move the laser output unit a predetermined distance.