The Study of the Design of an Automatic On-Machine Vision System for Tool Identification

Information about the tooling system is required to ensure the success of machining processes. During the process planning, the model of the tool is required as the input for CAM and machining simulation. During the machining setup, the offsets of the tool are required to compensate for the NC code for tool length and diameter differences. Before and after the machining, the tool cutting edges are inspected for damages. This information is useful making tool replacement decisions. The problem is that all of the information is obtained separately using different measurement equipments. Thus, they need multiple setups which are inconvenient and prone to error. Thus, in order to solve this problem, an integrated on-machine solution is studied.;Machine vision is the chosen method to perform the tasks because it is compact, non-contact, and flexible. The key technologies are the camera calibration, tool modeling, and tool wear inspection. Of these technologies, the camera calibration and the automatic image acquisition are still not fully understood. Thus, a study is performed to clarify the design process of these technologies. A design of these components is proposed, and a prototype system is constructed to verify the result of the design study.