Machine vision and intelligence incorporating motion control

Abstract

Manufacturers faced with small production runs often require multiple machine changeovers per shift. Vision control of machinery offers a cost‐effective solution to this problem. Manufacturers are able to introduce diverse products, randomly, to a process line during the same production run, using reasonably priced industrial electronic equipment incorporating vision technology. A vision controlled polyurethane dispensing machine has been designed, manufactured and commissioned to substantiate this theory. An image of a moat, recessed into a mould, is captured by means of a CCD camera, resulting in a dispensing path being transferred to a microprocessor. The analogue signal is converted to a digital signal that pre‐sets a path for the two‐axis motion controller, capable of performing interpolation, to follow. A polyurethane mixing machine receives the same digital signal which sets the dispensing rate and shot size. Polyurethane is dispensed into the moat to form a seal between the filter media and the air‐filter housing. A summary of the design, implementation and results of the project is outlined and described.

Citation

Brian Jennings, R. and Bright, G. (1999), "Machine vision and intelligence incorporating motion control", Assembly Automation, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 55-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/01445159910254280