Composable Machine Vision System for Ordnance Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated inspection systems for ordnance and ammunition are specialized and lack generality, combining high-speed operation with precision measurement, and are not easily adaptable to various inspection tasks.
Innovation Solution
A composable machine-vision system with multiple cameras and an image processor that uses plug-in recognition modules and decision algorithms, enabling high-speed inspection and identification of objects by analyzing physical characteristics, including color, shape, and imperfections, and allowing for easy addition and replacement of modules for different inspection tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized machine vision systems are used for specific inspection tasks, then inspection precision is improved, but system adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal machine vision platform that can perform multiple inspection tasks through configurable software modules and adjustable imaging parameters, allowing a single system to handle diverse inspection requirements without sacrificing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically adjustable inspection parameters, including variable exposure times, adjustable gain settings, and reconfigurable region-of-interest areas, enabling the same hardware to adapt to different inspection tasks while maintaining optimal precision for each specific application
2Productivity
If high-speed line scan cameras are used for rapid inspection, then inspection speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic triggering of the line scan camera synchronized with object conveyance, capturing images at optimal intervals that balance inspection speed with sufficient resolution for precise measurement of critical features
Solution Approach 2:
The system compensates for reduced per-pixel resolution at high speeds by utilizing the temporal dimension, capturing multiple line scans over time and reconstructing high-resolution images through frame accumulation and processing, thereby maintaining measurement precision while achieving high inspection throughput
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging parameters are adjusted for different inspection tasks, then system versatility is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic parameter optimization algorithms that self-adjust imaging parameters based on the inspection task at hand, reducing the need for manual configuration and simplifying operation while maintaining high versatility across different inspection applications
Data Source
AI summary
A machine vision system for automatically identifying and inspecting objects is disclosed, including composable vision-based recognition modules and a decision algorithm to perform the final determination on object type and quality. This vision system has been used to develop a Projectile Identification System and an Automated Tactical Ammunition Classification System. The technology can be used to create numerous other inspection and automated identification systems.