Machine vision for industrial inspection metrology and guidance

The author discusses several areas of uses of machine vision in automated manufacturing. Applications from automotive, aerospace, and related industries are provided. It is noted that, until recently, the quality control of dimensional integrity of large objects such as car bodies has been difficult to obtain, primarily because of a lack of suitable measurement equipment. Recently, light sectioning technologies have been developed which allow multiple parameter gaging inline for such objects. The technology utilized is based on the principle of laser light sectioning. Similar sensor technologies have also been applied to a number of robotic guidance applications. In this case, the vision technology is utilized to determine the actual location of the object and feed an offset path to the robot for assembly or other manufacturing purposes. The use of vision systems eliminates a need for precision fixturing and tooling. Another technology has been developed for the inspection of surfaces for waviness. It has application to composites, tooling, sheet metal, and other components. The technology magnifies and allows quantification of such defects as waviness, dings, dents, and other localized surface perturbations. A number of examples of implementation of this technology are provided