Camera-Based Tool Recognition for Chuck Compatibility Checks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool setting and measuring devices and clamping devices lack operator comfort, efficiency, and reliability due to the inability to accurately identify and manage various tool types and compatibility, leading to potential operational errors and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a computer-implemented object recognition method using image recognition algorithms, specifically trained machine learning algorithms, to identify and categorize tools, tool chucks, tool cutting edges, and tool pallets, and determine compatibility, with output information for operator support and enhanced safety measures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual tool identification and management methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but operator comfort and operational reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator comfortVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic tool identification and compatibility verification through image recognition algorithms, allowing the device to perform functions autonomously without manual intervention. The camera captures images of tools and tool chucks, the algorithm automatically identifies object types and determines compatibility, eliminating the need for operators to manually verify tool specifications and compatibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection and identification processes with an optical detection system. A camera captures visual information of tools and tool chucks, and image recognition algorithms automatically analyze the images to identify object types and determine compatibility, substituting human visual inspection and manual verification with automated optical-mechanical systems.

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

2Reliability

If automated image recognition is implemented, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides automatic feedback to operators regarding tool compatibility and potential errors. The image recognition algorithm analyzes captured images and provides real-time information about detected objects and their compatibility, allowing operators to immediately correct potential mistakes before they lead to operational failures or safety incidents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary compatibility verification before tool installation or operation. By automatically analyzing tool and tool chuck images and determining compatibility in advance, the system prevents incompatible combinations from being used, eliminating the need for later corrections or interventions when compatibility issues arise during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If comprehensive object recognition is applied to all tool components, then operational safety is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidrecognition precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the tool system into distinct components (tools, tool chucks, tool cutting edges, pallets) and applies specialized recognition algorithms to each type. This segmentation allows the system to focus on identifying specific characteristics relevant to each component type rather than requiring comprehensive high-precision measurement of all features simultaneously, making the recognition task more manageable and reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4596173A1Method with a tool setting and/or tool measuring device, tool setting and/or tool measuring device, tool tensioning device and computer program product and/or computer program computing infrastructure
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 E ZOLLER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4596173A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4596173A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4596173A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention is based on a method with at least one tool setting and/or tool measuring device (10) for setting and/or measuring tools (12, 12') in tool chucks (14) or with at least one tool clamping device (16) for clamping or unclamping tools (12, 12') in or from tool chucks (14), wherein in at least one detection step (22) one or more objects (18) are detected in a field of view of a camera (20) of the tool setting and/or tool measuring device (10) or of the tool clamping device (16), and wherein in at least one object detection step (24) an image detection algorithm is applied to camera images of the camera (20) comprising the object(s) (18).It is proposed that the object recognition step (24) is specifically provided for application to at least objects (18) mentioned in the following list: tool (12, 12'), tool chuck (14), tool cutting edge (26), assembled complete tool, tool and/or tool chuck pallet (30).