Single-Camera Tool Position Measurement by Focus Clarity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing machines require multiple cameras to measure the position of a tool in three-dimensional coordinates, increasing cost and complexity due to the need to capture images from different directions, while existing solutions with a single camera involve complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A processing machine with a first drive source for relative movement between a workpiece and tool, a camera to capture images in a specific direction, an image processing device to identify tool position, and a control device to adjust the drive source based on the identified position, allowing measurement in the imaging direction without additional cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to measure tool position in three-dimensional coordinates, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the tool's position in the imaging direction (depth dimension) by analyzing focus clarity variations. Instead of using multiple cameras from different directions, the system uses a single camera and evaluates image sharpness at different focal positions to determine depth coordinate, thereby converting a multi-camera 3D measurement problem into a single-camera problem solvable through focus analysis in the depth dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of multiple cameras with an image processing-based focus analysis system. By substituting physical multi-camera hardware with computational focus evaluation, the system achieves 3D position measurement using only a single camera, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If two illumination devices and a reflection mirror are used to capture images from different directions, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex illumination and optical components (reflection mirrors, multiple illumination devices) from the measurement system. By using only a single illumination device and a single camera, the system achieves the same measurement capability without the additional optical elements, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera and single illumination device configuration serves multiple functions: capturing tool position in lateral directions and determining depth position through focus analysis. This multi-functional approach replaces the specialized multi-camera and multi-illumination system, achieving universal measurement capability with fewer components.
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
Enables accurate measurement of the tool's position in the imaging direction, reducing costs and complexity by eliminating the need for multiple cameras and complex mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a camera that captures the tool in a first direction to acquire an image
Implementation Method 2
an image processing device that identifies a position of the tool in the first direction based on clarity of the tool in the image
Data Source
AI summary
A processing machine includes a drive source, a camera, an image processing device and a control device. The drive source makes a workpiece and a tool relatively move in a first direction. The camera captures the tool in the first direction to acquire an image. The image processing device identifies a position of the tool in the first direction based on clarity of the tool in the image. The control device controls the first drive source based on the position of the tool in the first direction identified by the image processing device.