Built-in Vision Inspection Tool for Automated Machining Origin Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual setting of the machining origin in automation machine tools is time-consuming and prone to errors, affecting machining precision and productivity due to reliance on visual and auditory senses, leading to inaccuracies in product shape.
Innovation Solution
A built-in vision-based inspection tool integrated with an automatic tool changer (ATC) uses a camera, digital signal processor, and wireless communication to autonomously detect the machining origin through real-time image processing, reducing manual intervention and errors by digitizing workpiece shape information and transferring detected origins to the machine tool controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual setting of machining origin is performed using visual and auditory senses, then the worker can measure and set relative distance from machine origin, but the machining precision is deteriorated due to friction between workpiece and tool and time delay occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical measurement method with an automated vision-based measurement system. A camera captures images of the workpiece, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate the machining origin coordinates, eliminating the need for manual visual and auditory sensing while significantly reducing time delay and improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-measurement of the workpiece by using the workpiece itself as the measurement target. The vision system captures images of the workpiece features and automatically computes the machining origin without requiring external manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in the measurement process.
2Productivity
If automatic detection of workpiece dimension is performed by attaching image sensor to chuck, then time delay due to manual work is removed, but the machining origin will have error when error is present in input dimension information or aligning error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vision system captures actual images of the workpiece, processes the images to determine actual dimensions and positions, and uses this feedback information to calculate and set the machining origin. This closed-loop approach compensates for errors in input dimension information and aligning errors by relying on actual visual measurement data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the raw image data and the machining origin calculation. The algorithms process the captured images to extract accurate geometric features, calculate relative positions, and determine the machining origin, serving as a mediator that transforms visual information into precise positioning data while compensating for various errors.
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 decreases time delays and errors in machining origin setting, enhancing precision and productivity by automating the recognition process and allowing for fast detection of new machining origins when working with the same workpiece, while also reducing additional tool purchase costs by being applicable to various machines.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining an image of a shape of a machining workpiece
Implementation Method 2
irradiating analog type workpiece shape information to a charge coupled device (CCD) cell to digitize the analog type workpiece shape information
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a vision based inspection tool (1000) for setting of an initial origin of an automation machine tool, and more particularly, to a built-in type of vision based inspection tool for setting of an initial origin capable of improving setting precision of a current automation machine tool that depends on initial setting and increasing productivity depending on individual automatic setting by automatically sensing a machining origin in order to perform initial machining and re-machining of an existing workpiece using an automation machine tool and compensating for the machining origin to eliminate a time required for setting machining origins for various shapes in a jog mode. The vision based tool is configured to comprise a chuck (100) provided in a machine tool and an image part (400) to perform auto-focusing and obtaining an image of a workpiece.