Imaging-Based Workpiece Position Verification for Foolproof Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators in manufacturing processes often overlook the correct positioning of workpieces or fixing jigs, leading to inaccurate measurements or machining due to the reliance on visual checks, which can result in operational errors.

Innovation Solution

A foolproof system that includes an imaging device to capture identifiable marks on a workpiece, an image processing unit to obtain and compare coordinate positions with reference data, and a comparison processing unit to output results, ensuring accurate placement and fixation of workpieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual inspection by operator is used to check workpiece positioning, then the system remains simple and low-cost, but the reliability of detection is insufficient and errors may be overlooked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system with an automated imaging and coordinate analysis system. The imaging device captures images of the workpiece and fixing jig, the image processing unit extracts coordinate information, and the comparison unit verifies positioning accuracy against reference data, eliminating reliance on human visual inspection

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the workpiece positioning state through imaging and coordinate extraction. By capturing images and converting them into coordinate data that can be stored and compared against reference values, the system creates a replicable and verifiable record of the positioning state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If automated imaging and coordinate analysis system is implemented, then detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning verification accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a multi-functional integrated system where the imaging device serves multiple purposes: capturing workpiece positioning, capturing fixing jig state, and providing visual records. The image processing unit both extracts coordinate data for verification and generates process records, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240149461A1Foolproof device and storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.05.09 MITUTOYO CORP
  • US20240149461A1 patent drawing
  • US20240149461A1 patent drawing
  • US20240149461A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A foolproof device provided to a manufacturing process includes an imaging part that captures an object on which a plurality of identifiable marks are provided, an image processing part that obtains state data including a coordinate position of each mark from at least one captured image captured by the imaging part, a storage that stores reference data obtained by the image processing part, the reference data including a reference position of each mark, and a comparison processing part that compares the reference data stored in the storage with the current state data obtained by the image processing part, and outputs a result of the comparison regarding at least some of the plurality of marks.