Touch Panel Tool Dimension Measurement Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring tool dimensions in CNC machine tools struggle with accurately specifying measurement portions for tools with unenvisioned dimensions, as they rely on pre-registered tool dimensions and fail to effectively handle tools with complex or unexpected shapes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize an image capture device to capture images of the tool, display the contour on a screen, and use touch detection to specify measurement points, allowing for the calculation of tool contours, movement paths, and center axial lines, enabling the measurement of unenvisioned tool dimensions by moving the image capture device relative to the tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic measurement is performed based on pre-registered tool dimensions, then measurement efficiency is improved, but the ability to measure tools with unenvisioned dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images of the tool from multiple positions and angles before measurement, and by allowing users to manually specify measurement portions on the displayed images. This preliminary image capture and interaction enables the system to adapt to and measure tools with unenvisioned dimensions while maintaining measurement efficiency through automated processing of the captured images.
2Ease of operation
If pre-registered tool dimensions are used for measurement, then measurement process is simplified, but measurement precision for complex tool shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from relying solely on pre-registered dimensional data to capturing and analyzing images from multiple positions and angles. By adding the spatial dimension of multi-angle imaging and user interaction on the display screen, the system achieves both operational simplicity and high measurement precision for complex tool shapes that cannot be captured by pre-registered dimensions alone.
3Device complexity
If image capture device remains stationary, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement capability for entire tool contour deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamics by allowing the image capture device to move relative to the tool or vice versa, enabling capture of images from multiple positions. This dynamic capability allows the entire tool contour to be captured and measured while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of standard image capture equipment and computational processing of multiple images.
Data Source
AI summary
In the machine tool (10) pertaining to the present invention, the contour lines (51) of a tool (20) are displayed on a display screen (S). When an operator measuring the dimensions traces a contour line (51) on the display screen (S) of a touch panel (45) with a finger, it is possible to automatically identify, on the display screen (S), the site to be measured (i.e., the contour line (51)) on the tool (20). In this way, an operator can measure the dimensions of the tool (20) in an extremely simple manner. Additionally, it is possible to automatically measure the tool diameter or the blade position of the tool (20) as the operator designates a specific position on the contour line (51) of the tool (20). Thus, with such a method for measuring the dimensions of the tool (20), it is possible to easily identify an unexpected site to be measured on a tool having complex contour lines, such as a multi-stage tool.