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Article
Publication date: 23 January 2024

Wang Zhang, Lizhe Fan, Yanbin Guo, Weihua Liu and Chao Ding

The purpose of this study is to establish a method for accurately extracting torch and seam features. This will improve the quality of narrow gap welding. An adaptive deflection…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish a method for accurately extracting torch and seam features. This will improve the quality of narrow gap welding. An adaptive deflection correction system based on passive light vision sensors was designed using the Halcon software from MVtec Germany as a platform.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an adaptive correction system for welding guns and seams divided into image calibration and feature extraction. In the image calibration method, the field of view distortion because of the position of the camera is resolved using image calibration techniques. In the feature extraction method, clear features of the weld gun and weld seam are accurately extracted after processing using algorithms such as impact filtering, subpixel (XLD), Gaussian Laplacian and sense region for the weld gun and weld seam. The gun and weld seam centers are accurately fitted using least squares. After calculating the deviation values, the error values are monitored, and error correction is achieved by programmable logic controller (PLC) control. Finally, experimental verification and analysis of the tracking errors are carried out.

Findings

The results show that the system achieves great results in dealing with camera aberrations. Weld gun features can be effectively and accurately identified. The difference between a scratch and a weld is effectively distinguished. The system accurately detects the center features of the torch and weld and controls the correction error to within 0.3mm.

Originality/value

An adaptive correction system based on a passive light vision sensor is designed which corrects the field-of-view distortion caused by the camera’s position deviation. Differences in features between scratches and welds are distinguished, and image features are effectively extracted. The final system weld error is controlled to 0.3 mm.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2024

Mohamed Slamani, Hocine Makri, Aissa Boudilmi, Ilian A. Bonev and Jean-Francois Chatelain

This research paper aims to optimize the calibration process for an ABB IRB 120 robot, specifically for robotic orbital milling applications, by introducing and validating the use…

Abstract

Purpose

This research paper aims to optimize the calibration process for an ABB IRB 120 robot, specifically for robotic orbital milling applications, by introducing and validating the use of the observability index and telescopic ballbar for accuracy enhancement.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the telescopic ballbar and an observability index for the calibration of an ABB IRB 120 robot, focusing on robotic orbital milling. Comparative simulation analysis selects the O3 index. Experimental tests, both static and dynamic, evaluate the proposed calibration approach within the robot’s workspace.

Findings

The proposed calibration approach significantly reduces circularity errors, particularly in robotic orbital milling, showcasing effectiveness in both static and dynamic modes at various tool center point speeds.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on a specific robot model and application (robotic orbital milling), limiting generalizability. Further research could explore diverse robot models and applications.

Practical implications

The findings offer practical benefits by enhancing the accuracy of robotic systems, particularly in precision tasks like orbital milling, providing a valuable calibration method.

Social implications

While primarily technological, improved robotic precision can have social implications, potentially influencing fields where robotic applications are crucial, such as manufacturing and automation.

Originality/value

This study’s distinctiveness lies in advancing the accuracy and precision of industrial robots during circular motions, specifically tailored for orbital milling applications. The innovative approach synergistically uses the observability index and telescopic ballbar to achieve these objectives.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 November 2023

Xindang He, Run Zhou, Zheyuan Liu, Suliang Yang, Ke Chen and Lei Li

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of a non-contact full-field optical measurement technique known as digital image correlation (DIC).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of a non-contact full-field optical measurement technique known as digital image correlation (DIC).

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this review paper is to introduce the research pertaining to DIC. It comprehensively covers crucial facets including its principles, historical development, core challenges, current research status and practical applications. Additionally, it delves into unresolved issues and outlines future research objectives.

Findings

The findings of this review encompass essential aspects of DIC, including core issues like the subpixel registration algorithm, camera calibration, measurement of surface deformation in 3D complex structures and applications in ultra-high-temperature settings. Additionally, the review presents the prevailing strategies for addressing these challenges, the most recent advancements in DIC applications across quasi-static, dynamic, ultra-high-temperature, large-scale and micro-scale engineering domains, along with key directions for future research endeavors.

Originality/value

This review holds a substantial value as it furnishes a comprehensive and in-depth introduction to DIC, while also spotlighting its prospective applications.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2022

Murat Kizildag, Jeffrey Thomas Weinland and Ilhan Demirer

The main stance of this paper is to draw an authentic and rigorous outlook in terms of the financial and operational performance of small lodging establishments (SLEs) and put…

Abstract

Purpose

The main stance of this paper is to draw an authentic and rigorous outlook in terms of the financial and operational performance of small lodging establishments (SLEs) and put forth achievable and practical economic solutions that demonstrate the relative effectiveness of the adopted measures. This paper also suggests practical solutions to help minimize SLEs' financial vulnerability to long-term crisis and to boost their resilience with relative measures by applying recovery revival strategies for this particular segment of the lodging industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have picked a locally owned resort hotel in Central Florida area and structured a real-life, case study-based inductive approach that is purposeful and offers rich economic outlook and analysis for the entire lodging industry, especially for the resort-hotel type of accommodation facilities. The main reason for why they only focus on one company is that they can fully understand the financial effects of COVID-19 on resort type of hotels and layout countering strategies. To achieve paper objectives, they have implemented cost–benefit (C–B), break-even (B-E) analyses along with a sensitivity testing approach.

Findings

The most striking result was that during the state-mandated shutdown period in 2020, overhead and overall operational costs associated with room sales and revenues were very high during this period that shrank the contribution margin ratio for rooms CMRw (room) and eventually yielded high sales volumes to be achieved at the B-E points vs lower sales volumes with almost the same average daily rate (ADR) levels needed for the B-E levels.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies should specifically delve further into a portfolio of SLEs in the region or state or nation wise because the units comprising the SLEs might be too small to muster the changes required to bounce forward for the entire lodging industry in the world.

Practical implications

The resort's revenue re-optimization focus should center on financial re-benchmarking and business re-viability stress under different levels of shock scenarios. According to the different scenarios and calibrations for the ADRs, room nights, net present values (NPVs) of cash flows and profit margins derived from our main analyses, minimizing expenses and preserving cash would be the best key strategy for financial recovery during an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

It is obvious that the lodging, hospitality and tourism industry are the hardest-hit industries by the harsh and adverse effects of COVID-19. The effects of pandemic are differently shaped on operations in different industries and subsectors. Therefore, the operational and financial evaluation for the SLEs as the core and a catalyst in the entire lodging industry can shed a light on the strategic financial recovery procedures with broadly applicable real-life and endogenous capabilities and reasoning.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 6 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Heng Liu, Yonghua Lu, Haibo Yang, Lihua Zhou and Qiang Feng

In the context of fixed-wing aircraft wing assembly, there is a need for a rapid and precise measurement technique to determine the center distance between two double-hole…

Abstract

Purpose

In the context of fixed-wing aircraft wing assembly, there is a need for a rapid and precise measurement technique to determine the center distance between two double-hole components. This paper aims to propose an optical-based spatial point distance measurement technique using the spatial triangulation method. The purpose of this paper is to design a specialized measurement system, specifically a spherically mounted retroreflector nest (SMR nest), equipped with two laser displacement sensors and a rotary encoder as the core to achieve accurate distance measurements between the double holes.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop an efficient and accurate measurement system, the paper uses a combination of laser displacement sensors and a rotary encoder within the SMR nest. The system is designed, implemented and tested to meet the requirements of precise distance measurement. Software and hardware components have been developed and integrated for validation.

Findings

The optical-based distance measurement system achieves high precision at 0.04 mm and repeatability at 0.02 mm within a range of 412.084 mm to 1,590.591 mm. These results validate its suitability for efficient assembly processes, eliminating repetitive errors in aircraft wing assembly.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an optical-based spatial point distance measurement technique, as well as a unique design of a SMR nest and the introduction of two novel calibration techniques, all of which are validated by the developed software and hardware platform.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2023

Chao Zhang, Jianxin Fu and Yu Wang

The interaction between rock mass structural planes and dynamic stress levels is important to determine the stability of rock mass structures in underground geotechnical…

Abstract

Purpose

The interaction between rock mass structural planes and dynamic stress levels is important to determine the stability of rock mass structures in underground geotechnical engineering. In this work, the authors aim to focus on the degradation effects of fracture geometric parameters and unloading stress paths on rock mechanical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional Particle Flow Code (PFC3D) was used for a systematic numerical simulation of the strength failure and cracking behavior of granite specimens containing prefabricated cracks under conventional triaxial compression and triaxial unilateral unloading. The authors demonstrated the unique mechanical response of prefabricated fractured rock under two conditions. The crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence process of pre-fissured specimens were analyzed in detail.

Findings

The authors show that the prefabricated cracks and unilateral unloading conditions not only deteriorate the mechanical strength but also have significant differences in failure modes. The degrading effect of cracks on model strength increases linearly with the decrease of the dip angle. Under the condition of true triaxial unilateral unloading, the deterioration effect of peak strength of rock is very significant, and unloading plays a role in promoting the instability failure of rock after peak, making the rock earlier instability failure. Associating with the particle vector diagram and crack coalescence process, the authors find that model failure mode under unilateral loading conditions is obviously distinct from that in triaxial loading. The peak strain in the unloading direction increases sharply, resulting in a new shear slip.

Originality/value

This study is expected to improve the understanding of the strength failure and cracking behavior of fractured rock under unilateral unloading.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 April 2023

Lezhi Ye, Xuanjie Song and Chang Yue

Wafer bonding is a key process for 3 D advanced packaging of integrated circuits. It requires very high accuracy for the wafer alignment. To solve the problems of large movement…

83

Abstract

Purpose

Wafer bonding is a key process for 3 D advanced packaging of integrated circuits. It requires very high accuracy for the wafer alignment. To solve the problems of large movement stroke, position calibration error and low production efficiency in optical alignment, this paper aims to propose a new wafer magnetic alignment technology (MAT) which is based on tunnel magneto resistance effect. MAT can realize micro distance alignment and reduces the design and manufacturing difficulty of wafer bonding equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

The current methods and existing problems of wafer optical alignment are introduced, and the mechanism and realization process of wafer magnetic alignment are proposed. Micro magnetic column (MMC) marks are designed on the wafer by the semiconductor manufacturing process. The mathematical model of the space magnetic field of the MMC is established, and the magnetic field distribution of the MMC alignment is numerically simulated and visualized. The relationship between the alignment accuracy and the MMC diameter, MMC remanence, MMC thickness and sensor measurement height was studied.

Findings

The simulation analysis shows that the overlapping double MMCs can align the wafer with accuracy within 1 µm and can control the bonding distance within the micrometer range to improve the alignment efficiency.

Originality/value

Magnetic alignment technology provides a new idea for wafer bonding alignment, which is expected to improve the accuracy and efficiency of wafer bonding.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 March 2023

Xiao Fan Zhao, Andreas Wimmer and Michael F. Zaeh

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the impact of the welding sequence on the substrate plate distortion during the wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process…

1057

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the impact of the welding sequence on the substrate plate distortion during the wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process. This paper also aims to show the capability of finite element simulations in the prediction of those thermally induced distortions.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was conducted in which solid aluminum blocks were manufactured using two different welding sequences. The distortion of the substrates was measured at predefined positions and converted into bending and torsion values. Subsequently, a weakly coupled thermo-mechanical finite element model was created using the Abaqus simulation software. The model was calibrated and validated with data gathered from the experiments.

Findings

The results of this paper showed that the welding sequence of a part significantly affects the formation of thermally induced distortions of the final part. The calibrated simulation model was able to capture the different distortion behavior attributed to the welding sequences.

Originality/value

Within this work, a simulation model was developed capable of predicting the distortion of WAAM parts in advance. The findings of this paper can be used to improve the design of WAAM welding sequences while avoiding high experimental efforts.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 29 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Elisa Garrido-Castro, Francisco-José Torres-Peña, Eva-María Murgado-Armenteros and Francisco Jose Torres-Ruiz

The purpose of this study is to critically review consumer knowledge in marketing and propose a future research agenda. Despite the many works that have examined this variable…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to critically review consumer knowledge in marketing and propose a future research agenda. Despite the many works that have examined this variable, given its strong influence on behaviour, it has generally been studied in association with other constructs, and no studies have focused on it in a specific way. Its definition, measurement and approaches to its role and usefulness are superficial and underdeveloped. After structuring and analysing the existing literature, the authors establish, (I) which aspects are of little use to the discipline, and (II) which research lines have the most potential and should be developed and studied in greater depth, to advance and complete the existing consumer knowledge framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A search was undertaken for documents in the main databases in which the term “consumer knowledge” appears in a marketing or consumer context, and a critical and reflexive approach was taken to analyse the main contributions and to structure them by content blocks.

Findings

Five main content blocks were identified. A set of research gaps were detected, mainly related to the lax conceptualisation of the topic, measurement problems and the scarcity of more useful works connected with business management, and several research lines are proposed that complement the existing framework to make it more complete and operational.

Originality/value

This paper offers a critical review and proposes a research agenda for one of the most used but little studied variables in the field of marketing, which may help academics and professionals in the discipline to continue developing useful theories and models.

Objetivo

El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar críticamente el conocimiento del consumidor en marketing y proponer una agenda de investigación futura. A pesar de los numerosos trabajos que han examinado esta variable, dada su fuerte influencia en el comportamiento, generalmente se ha estudiado en asociación con otros constructos, y ningún estudio se ha centrado en ella de manera específica. Su definición, medición y aproximaciones sobre su papel y utilidad son superficiales y poco desarrollados. Después de estructurar y analizar la literatura existente, establecemos (I) qué aspectos tienen poco uso para la disciplina y (II) qué líneas de investigación tienen más potencial y deben ser desarrolladas y estudiadas con mayor profundidad; para avanzar y completar el marco existente sobre conocimiento del consumidor.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se realizó una búsqueda de documentos en las principales bases de datos en las que aparece el término “conocimiento del consumidor” en un contexto de marketing o consumo, y se adoptó un enfoque crítico y reflexivo para analizar las principales contribuciones y estructurarlas por bloques de contenido.

Resultados

Se identificaron cinco bloques principales de contenido. Se detectó un conjunto de huecos de investigación, principalmente relacionados con la laxa conceptualización del tema, problemas de medición y la escasez de trabajos más útiles conectados con la gestión empresarial; y se proponen varias líneas de investigación que complementan el marco existente para hacerlo más completo y operativo.

Originalidad

Este documento ofrece una revisión crítica y propone una agenda de investigación para una de las variables más utilizadas pero poco estudiadas en el campo del marketing, lo que puede ayudar a académicos y profesionales en la disciplina a continuar desarrollando teorías y modelos útiles.

目的

本文旨在对市场营销中的消费者知识进行批判性审视, 并提出未来的研究议程。虽然已有许多研究检验了该变量, 但由于其对行为产生强大影响, 通常会与其他结构变量一起研究, 而没有以特定方式专注于该变量。对其定义、测量以及其作用和用途的方法仍旧存在研究空白。通过对现有文献进行结构化分析后, 确定了以下两个方面:(I)哪些方面对该学科意义不大, (II)哪些研究方向最具研究潜力, 并且应该进一步深入发展和研究, 以推进和完善现有的消费者知识框架。

设计/方法/途径

通过主要数据库检索市场营销或消费者背景下涉及“消费者知识”一词的文献, 采取批判性和反思性方法来分析其主要贡献, 并通过内容块对其进行结构化。

发现

识别了五个主要内容块, 并发现存在一定程度的研究空白, 主要涉及该主题的概念松散化、测量问题以及与商业管理相关的有效研究的稀缺性。此外, 本文提出了几个研究线索, 这些线索为现有框架补充了信息, 使其更加完整且具备更强的操作性。

独创性

本文对市场营销领域中广泛使用但研究较少的变量进行了批判性评述, 并提出了相关研究议程。这一工作有助于学术界和专业人士继续发展实用的理论和模型。

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2023

Yang Zhou, Long Wang, Yongbin Lai and Xiaolong Wang

The coupling process between the loading mechanism and the tank car mouth is a crucial step in the tank car loading process. The purpose of this paper is to design a method to…

Abstract

Purpose

The coupling process between the loading mechanism and the tank car mouth is a crucial step in the tank car loading process. The purpose of this paper is to design a method to accurately measure the pose of the tanker car.

Design/methodology/approach

The collected image is first subjected to a gray enhancement operation, and the black parts of the image are extracted using Otsu’s threshold segmentation and morphological processing. The edge pixels are then filtered to remove outliers and noise, and the remaining effective points are used to fit the contour information of the tank car mouth. Using the successfully extracted contour information, the pose information of the tank car mouth in the camera coordinate system is obtained by establishing a binocular projection elliptical cone model, and the pixel position of the real circle center is obtained through the projection section. Finally, the binocular triangulation method is used to determine the position information of the tank car mouth in space.

Findings

Experimental results have shown that this method for measuring the position and orientation of the tank car mouth is highly accurate and can meet the requirements for industrial loading accuracy.

Originality/value

A method for extracting the contours of various types of complex tanker mouth is proposed. This method can accurately extract the contour of the tanker mouth when the contour is occluded or disturbed. Based on the binocular elliptic conical model and perspective projection theory, an innovative method for measuring the pose of the tanker mouth is proposed, and according to the space characteristics of the tanker mouth itself, the ambiguity of understanding is removed. This provides a new idea for the automatic loading of ash tank cars.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. 43 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

1 – 10 of 120