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A machine vision device developed at Georgia Tech in the late
1980s is helping manufacturers improve productivity and quality
by imparting greater accuracy and speed to their automated
inspection capability.
Marketed as the SmartImage Sensor, the device integrates
optics, image-acquisition electronics and a microprocessor. The
system can, for example, provide quality control inspection
results and statistical process-control data and coordinate
information for motion controllers.
The technology, invented by Drs. Steve Dickerson and Kok-Meng
Lee of Georgia Tech's
School of Mechanical Engineering, differs
from traditional machine vision by eliminating TV
signal-conversion electronics, fixed-frame rates and fixed field of view
(image size and location).
SmartImage Sensor allows dynamic access of the charge-coupled
device (CCD) with none of the horizontal image jitter associated
with conventional frame-grabber-based systems. Horizontal jitter
can result in image movement of more than 10 times the desired
inspection accuracy. It also can lead to distorted geometric
shapes and poor repeatability of performance, especially when
performing measurement of components or other high-accuracy
inspections.
The sensor also differs from traditional systems by providing
a variable inspection rate of 40 to 70 parts a second;
traditional systems have a fixed rate of 60 frames a second.
SmartImage can be customized for specific manufacturing
environments. Also, its embedded microprocessor can perform
partial image acquisitions, increasing image-acquisition rates to
more than 4,000 inspections a minute.
In 1991, Atlanta-based DVT Inc. was awarded exclusive
licensing rights to the technology, and has continually upgraded
the sensor's speed and image-resolution capabilities.
More than 4,000 SmartImage sensors are at work in nearly every
manufacturing sector, including automotive, metal stamping,
injection moulding, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and
electronics.
Photo by Gary Meek
Manufacturers inspecting their products on the assembly line
got increased speed and accuracy with Georgia Tech's development
of an artificial machine vision system. Mechanical engineering
professors Drs. Steve Dickerson and Kok-Meng Lee (pictured here)
co-invented the device called SmartImage Sensor.
For more information, contact Dr. Steve Dickerson, School of Mechanical
Engineering, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA 30332-0405. (Telephone: 404-894-3255)
(E-mail:
steve.dickerson@me.gatech.edu)
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