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Machine or computer vision can provide the same functions as the human eye – distinguishing among thousands of hues, providing acuity throughout a great range of ambient lighting, and perceiving objects in three dimensions – and more. By using visible and infrared cameras, imaging scanners, ultrasonic probes, and other sensors, computer vision gathers data for processing by machines. Data processing can use classic image analysis procedures and can computationally mimic human neural physiology.

	Using a stereo-based laser end-effector and computer vision techniques, this robot locates, identifies, and removes flaws on the surface of canopy transparencies.

Machine vision enables robots to navigate orchards and battlefields or to follow precisely the contours of a fighter aircraft. Image analysis and pattern recognition algorithms locate tumors in the body, identify customers at bank automatic teller machines (ATM), and detect hidden cracks in machined parts. The possible applications of computer vision are almost endless.
 

With expertise in advanced computer technology, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) conducts customer-driven research and applied engineering projects in a wide range of machine vision technologies, including:

A telerobot performs repetitive tasks under hazardous conditions. Using stereoscopic video of the environment, staff members characterize and map the environment into which the robot must enter and operate.

• Image processing

• Scene analysis

• Pattern recognition

• Model-based vision

• Sensor fusion

• Motion analysis

• Infrared image analysis

• Dimensional inspection

• Industrial inspection and process control

SwRI develops image analysis systems that operate in harsh industrial environments, ensuring process quality, preventing process failures, and ensuring product quality. These systems provide guidance for precision assembly, robotics, dimensional inspection, and defect detection.

Vision-based Motion Control and Guidance

An automated robot system strips paint from aircraft. Data from a unique sensor, based on spectral reflectance characteristics of paints and aircraft surface materials, are used to control the system.

Computer vision enhances robot capabilities to accommodate variations in position and orientation of workspace objects. Machine vision permits object identification and workspace analysis for strategic motion planning, and it provides feedback to control repair, positioning, and assembly tasks as in automated surface processing.
Vision-assisted robotic systems include:

• Aircraft deriveter

• Canopy polisher

• Paint stripper

• Bottle sorter

• Fiber-optic cable assembly

• Forge automation

Industrial Automation and Quality Control

A computer vision-based system monitors quality during a microen-capsulation process. Droplet fill and shell sizes are measured, and the data are used to control process parameters.

Machine vision systems provide quality control and real-time feedback for industrial processes, overcoming physical limitations and subjective judgment of humans. Automated systems capable of high-speed measurement of parts and flaws yield unprecedented quality. Computer vision-based industrial quality systems at SwRI include:

• Surface inspection

• Detection of flaws in glass containers

• Nuclear fuel pellet inspection

• Crack identification in cast and forged parts

• Web inspection

• Pit and void detection in cast and molded parts

• Microencapsulation process control

A high-speed imaging system uses a linescan camera to acquire images of reusable glass beverage containers. A pipelined image processor identifies flaws, cracks, chips, and wear at rates of 1,000 bottles per minute.		An inspection process allows flaw detection and measurement in cast and forged parts.

Automated Precision Measurement

Computer vision techniques automate measuring tasks that require high precision and accuracy. The resulting measurements are used to position and orient parts, provide numerical data for complex computations, and monitor the performance and efficiency of mechanical devices. An automated dimensional measurement system is a fast, accurate way to measure a profile of many dimensions. Automated measuring applications include:

• Biomechanical stress-strain measurement

• Die insertion into printed circuit boards

• Photogrammetric measurement of displacements to analyze cracks in materials

• Inspection of cutting tool inserts to measure edge sharpness and flaws

• Monitoring of blade tip positions in operating gas turbines

• Determining metrology of machined parts

For more information about machine vision research capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please e-mail Michael Rigney, or call (210) 522-5104.
 

| Manufacturing Systems Department | Automation and Data Systems Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

July 31, 2007