Apparatus for determining dimensions
AssigneeSensor Adaptive Machine Inc.
InventorTimothy R. Pryor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention primarily concerns improvements to turning, grinding milling and other machining processes using electro-optical sensors for analyzing images or patterns related to tools used to work objects. Also disclosed are unique electro-optical sensing methods and apparatus in their own right, capable of high accuracy measurement required for modern industry. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a two axis image analysis of the backlit tool edge is performed to determine tool position, damage, or wear, and where desired appropriate control steps taken to reposition or change the tool. In another preferred embodiment the tool itself is equipped with optically sensed contact members according to the invention to measure the part produced with the tool, or to determine the deflection of the tool.
Claims15
A method for determining, in a machine tool, an edge related characteristic of a tool used to work a part, comprising the steps of:
- (a) illuminating the edge of said tool with light such that some of said light passes said tool edge;
- (b) imaging said light passing said tool edge onto an electro-optical image sensing device;
- (c) analyzing said image to determine the position of a plurality of points on said edge;
- and
- (d) from said analysis of said edge position, determining a characteristic of said tool.
Machine tool apparatus comprising means for determining an edge related characteristic of a tool used to work a part, said means comprising:
- (a) means for illuminating the edge of said tool with light such that some of said light passes said tool edge;
- (b) means for imaging said light passing said tool edge onto an electro-optical image sensing device;
- (c) means for analyzing said image to determine the position of a plurality of points on said edge;
- and
- (d) means for determining from said analysis of said edge position a characteristic of said tool.
A method for controlling the size of a part feature which is being produced by a machine tool, wherein a desired part feature size has been determined, comprising the following steps:
- (a) moving a tool having a working edge from a working position for working on a part to an inspection location;
- (b) imaging the working edge of said tool onto an electro-optical image sensing device;
- (c) analyzing said image to determine the position of a plurality of points on said edge;
- (d) determining, from said analysis of said edge position, a predicted part feature size which would be produced by said tool;
- and
- (e) if said predicted part feature size is different than said desired part feature size, adjusting the working position of said tool, modifying said tool, or exchanging said tool, to match said predicted part feature size with said desired part feature size within acceptable tolerances.
Machine tool apparatus comprising means for controlling the size of a part feature which would be produced by the machine tool, wherein a desired part feature size has been determined, said part size controlling means comprising:
- (a) means for moving a tool having a working edge from a working position for working on a part to an inspection location;
- (b) means for imaging the working edge of said tool onto an electro-optical image sensing device;
- (c) means for analyzing said image to determine the position of a plurality of points on said edge;
- (d) means for determining, from said analysis of said edge position, a predicted part feature size which would be produced by said tool;
- and
- (e) means for adjusting the working position of said tool, modifying said tool, or exchanging said tool, to match said predicted part feature size with said desired part feature size within acceptable tolerances.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.