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1 – 10 of over 50000
Article
Publication date: 15 June 2020

Yang Zhang, Wei Liu, Yongkang Lu, Xikang Cheng, Weiqi Luo, Hongtu Di and Fuji Wang

Profile measurement with boundary information plays a vital role in the detection of quality in the assembly of aviation parts. The purpose of this paper is to improve the…

Abstract

Purpose

Profile measurement with boundary information plays a vital role in the detection of quality in the assembly of aviation parts. The purpose of this paper is to improve the evaluation accuracy of the aerodynamic shapes of airplanes, the profiles of large-sized parts need to be measured accurately.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an accurate profile measurement method based on boundary reference points is proposed for the industrial stereo-vision system. Based on the boundary-reference points, the authors established a priori constraint for extracting the boundary of the measured part. Combining with the image features of background and the measured part, an image-edge compensation model is established to extract the boundary of the measured part. The critical point of a laser stripe on the edge of the measured part is extracted corresponding to the boundary constraint. Finally, as per the principle of binocular vision, the profile of the measured part is reconstructed.

Finding

Laboratory experiments validate the measurement accuracy of the proposed method which is 0.33 mm. In the analysis of results between the measured data and the theoretical model, the measuring accuracy of the proposed method was found to be significantly higher than that of the other traditional methods.

Practical implication

An aviation part was measured in the part-assembly shop by the proposed method, which verified the feasibility and effectiveness of this method. The research can realize the measurement of smooth surface boundary which can solve existing profile reconstruction problems for aviation parts.

Originality/value

According to the two-dimensional contour constraint, critical points of the laser strip sequence at the edge of measured part are extracted and the accurate profile reconstruction with the boundary is realized.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 40 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2019

Kuldeep Verma, R.M. Belokar, Vinod Kumar Verma and Klimis Ntalianis

This paper aims to propose an elementary approach towards the measurement of a globoidal cam profile used in an automatic tool changer (ATC) of computer numerical control (CNC…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an elementary approach towards the measurement of a globoidal cam profile used in an automatic tool changer (ATC) of computer numerical control (CNC) machines.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple and unique online method has been designed for the profile metrology of the cam. This simple methodology will replace the traditional methodology of profile metrology of cam by coordinate measuring machine (CMM). A globoidal cam with an indexable turret and roller follower (rotating in an enclosed track) has been evaluated in our analysis. This analysis plays a significant role in the performance determination of the cam as well as the ATC of CNC machines.

Findings

A novel model has been designed and implemented to investigate the profile of a globoidal cam. The proposed methodology becomes an enhancement over the old methodology, i.e. measurement through CMM. Theoretical analysis and practical implementation prove the significance of the method.

Originality/value

An enhanced methodology to effectively measure the globoidal cam profile has been proposed. The practical implication of the proposed methodology remains for the CNC machine tool and ATC manufacturers. Finally, analytical explorations have been carried out to prove the validity of the proposal.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 June 2020

Muhammad Ilyas Nadeem, Yasrul Izad Abu Bakar, Sana Akram and Atif Amin Baig

This study aims to determine the correlation of anthropometric measurements with serum lipid profile among Malay subjects in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to determine the correlation of anthropometric measurements with serum lipid profile among Malay subjects in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kuala Terengganu on a total of 193 individuals aged 18-60 years. Subjects were recruited via direct interview as per inclusion criteria and anthropometric measurements, i.e. body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio, abdominal volume index and conicity index, were taken using International Standards for Anthropometric Assessment Guidelines. Fasting blood samples were collected for serum lipid profile analysis that measures triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), TG/HDL, TC/HDL and LDL/HDL. Besides socio-demographic characteristics, means and association of anthropometric parameters with lipid profiles were performed using simple linear regression and multivariate-adjusted regression analysis.

Findings

The mean age of obese (male [39.2 ± 8.7] and female [41.1 ± 1.0]) and non-obese (male [29.8 ± 1.3] and female [33.3 ± 1.3]) respondents was compared. Means of anthropometric indices and lipid profile were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in obese than in non-obese group. Multivariate-adjusted regression showed that weight and BMI increased risks for prevalent high TC, TG, LDL, TC/HDL, TG/HDL, LDL/HDL, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia. Regardless of sex, age and prevalent obese status, WHR increased risks for high prevalence of TC, TG, LDL, TC/HDL and LDL/HDL, and presents an independent risk factor for hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia. WC was highly associated with TG, while HC was associated with atherogenic lipid profile ratios: TC/HDL, TG/HDL and LDL/HDL.

Originality/value

In conclusion, the lipid profile (TC, TG and TG/HDL) of triglyceridemia and hypercholesteremia is highly correlated with anthropometric measurements (BMI, WC and WHR) of central obesity that predict obesity-associated cardiac risks.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 51 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 December 2023

Zhijia Xu and Minghai Li

The asymmetry of the velocity profile caused by geometric deformation, complex turbulent motion and other factors must be considered to effectively use the flowmeter on any…

Abstract

Purpose

The asymmetry of the velocity profile caused by geometric deformation, complex turbulent motion and other factors must be considered to effectively use the flowmeter on any section. This study aims to better capture the flow field information and establish a model to predict the profile velocity, we take the classical double elbow as the research object and propose to divide the flow field into three categories with certain common characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The deep learning method is used to establish the model of multipath linear velocity fitting profile average velocity. A total of 480 groups of data are taken for training and validation, with ten integer velocity flow fields from 1 m/s to 10 m/s. Finally, accuracy research with relative error as standard is carried out.

Findings

The numerical experiment yielded the following promising results: the maximum relative error is approximately 1%, and in the majority of cases, the relative error is significantly lower than 1%. These results demonstrate that it surpasses the classical optimization algorithm Equal Tab (5%) and the traditional artificial neural network (3%) in the same scenario. In contrast with the previous research on a fixed profile, we focus on all the velocity profiles of a certain length for the first time, which can expand the application scope of a multipath ultrasonic flowmeter and promote the research on flow measurement in any section.

Originality/value

This work proposes to divide the flow field of double elbow into three categories with certain common characteristics to better capture the flow field information and establish a model to predict the profile velocity.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2023

Xiao Xu

Utilizing datasets of Ecuador, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Peru from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies survey from 2017 to 2018, this study…

Abstract

Purpose

Utilizing datasets of Ecuador, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Peru from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies survey from 2017 to 2018, this study aimed to develop and validate a profile indicating core workplace skills in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

DeVellis' guide of scale development navigated the development of the profile. Multiple techniques including item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and multigroup confirmatory factor analysis were used on a sample of 7,166 participants to validate the profile of core workplace skills in developing countries.

Findings

A resultant five-dimensional profile with 18 items was developed: oral communication skills, reading skills, math skills, information and communication technology skills and learning skills. The estimates of composite reliability showed the profile was reliable. The validity estimates of the profile were obtained from several sources including content, convergent, discriminative and construct validity. The measurement invariance was also held for the profile.

Originality/value

Based on the researcher's knowledge, the study is the first attempt to develop a profile to indicate core workplace skills in developing countries. The profile theoretically framed the core workplace skills in developing countries and provides a new measure for identifying, evaluating and thus improving core workplace skills in developing countries for different stakeholders in the era of Education 4.0.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2006

Derek J. Paulsen

The purpose of this paper is to conduct an independent analysis of all existing geographic profiling software packages to determine if any one is more accurate than the others or…

2661

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct an independent analysis of all existing geographic profiling software packages to determine if any one is more accurate than the others or if any of the software systems are any more accurate than simple spatial distribution strategies at locating the home base of serial offenders.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis was conducted of all existing geographic profiling software as well as three spatial distribution methods of profiling. Differences in accuracy were assessed using four different methods; dichotomous profile accuracy, simple error measurement, profile error distance, and average top profile area.

Findings

Results indicate that not only are the different profiling software systems no more accurate than the spatial distribution control methods, but that accuracy in general was marginal at best. In addition results indicated that certain crimes, such as commercial robbery, were particularly difficult to profile and that the number of crimes in a series was not by itself a good indicator of success of a profile.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that future research needs to focus more on determining how various factors such as city type, crime type, road network and spatial aspects of a crime series (dispersion and search area) impact profiling accuracy. In addition future research should also endeavor to determine whether these advanced strategies are substantially more accurate than other simple profiling strategies such as human prediction. Finally, future research should also seek to examine geographic profiling in a real world setting and how geographic profiling impacts the success of open investigations.

Practical implications

Practically, this study casts doubt not only on the overall accuracy of profiling strategies in predicting the likely home location of an offender, but also on whether probability strategies are substantially better than spatial distribution strategies.

Originality/value

This research was the first to independently analyze all of the existing geographic profiling systems against control methods for the purpose of determining the accuracy of these different methods.

Details

Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2023

Xiaojun Wu, Bo Liu, Peng Li and Yunhui Liu

Existing calibration methods mainly focus on the camera laser-plane calibration of a single laser-line length, which is not convenient and cannot guarantee the consistency of the…

Abstract

Purpose

Existing calibration methods mainly focus on the camera laser-plane calibration of a single laser-line length, which is not convenient and cannot guarantee the consistency of the results when several three-dimensional (3D) scanners are involved. Thus, this study aims to provide a unified step for different laser-line length calibration requirements for laser profile measurement (LPM) systems.

Design/methodology/approach

3D LPM is the process of converting physical objects into 3D digital models, wherein camera laser-plane calibration is critical for ensuring system precision. However, conventional calibration methods for 3D LPM typically use a calibration target to calibrate the system for a single laser-line length, which needs multiple calibration patterns and makes the procedure complicated. In this paper, a unified calibration method was proposed to automatically calibrate the camera laser-plane parameters for the LPM systems with different laser-line lengths. The authors designed an elaborate planar calibration target with different-sized rings that mounted on a motorized linear platform to calculate the laser-plane parameters of the LPM systems. Then, the camera coordinates of the control points are obtained using the intersection line between the laser line and the planar target. With a new proposed error correction model, the errors caused by hardware assembly can be corrected. To validate the proposed method, three LPM devices with different laser-line lengths are used to verify the proposed system. Experimental results show that the proposed method can calibrate the LPM systems with different laser-line lengths conveniently with standard steps.

Findings

The repeatability and accuracy of the proposed calibration prototypes were evaluated with high-precision workpieces. The experiments have shown that the proposed method is highly adaptive and can automatically calibrate the LPM system with different laser-line lengths with high accuracy.

Research limitations/implications

In the repeatability experiments, there were errors in the measured heights of the test workpieces, and this is because the laser emitter had the best working distance and laser-line length.

Practical implications

By using this proposed method and device, the calibration of the 3D scanning laser device can be done in an automatic way.

Social implications

The calibration efficiency of a laser camera device is increased.

Originality/value

The authors proposed a unified calibration method for LPM systems with different laser-line lengths that consist of a motorized linear joint and a calibration target with elaborately designed ring patterns; the authors realized the automatic parameter calibration.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. 43 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2013

Shih‐Wei Yang, Chern‐Sheng Lin, Shir‐Kuan Lin, Shu‐Hsien Fu and Mau‐Shiun Yeh

The purpose of this paper is to propose an automatic optical inspection system for measuring the surface profile of a microlens array.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an automatic optical inspection system for measuring the surface profile of a microlens array.

Design/methodology/approach

The system set‐up was constructed according to the principle of the Fizeau interferometer. After capturing the ring interference fringe images of the microlens with a camera, the diameter, profile information and optical properties were analyzed through a microlens surface profile algorithm using innovative image pre‐processing with a precision of less than 0.09 micron.

Findings

By integrating with the genetic algorithm, the XY‐Table shortest moving path of the system is calculated to achieve the purpose of high‐speed inspection and automatic microlens array surface profile measurement.

Originality/value

The measurement results of this system were also compared with other systems, including the atomic force microscope and stylus profiler, to verify the measurement precision and accuracy of this system.

Article
Publication date: 22 May 2007

Jirˇí Militký and Miroslav Mazal

The main aim of this paper is description of new apparatus and approach for contact less evaluation of surface roughness. For characterization of surface roughness, the procedures…

1306

Abstract

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is description of new apparatus and approach for contact less evaluation of surface roughness. For characterization of surface roughness, the procedures based on classical and non‐classical (complexity) parameters are proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

For obtaining the roughness profile in the selected direction (on the line transect of the surface), the special arrangements of textile bend around sharp edge is used. The image analysis is used for extraction of surface profile. The system of controlled movement allows one to obtain surface roughness profile in two dimensions.

Findings

By using aggregation (cut length principle), the roughness resolution is decreased and roughness profile is created without local roughness variation. After application of cut length principle, the direct combination of slices leads to the creation of roughness surface.

Research limitations/implications

There exists plenty of roughness characteristics based on standard statistics or analysis of spatial processes. For evaluation of suitability of these characteristics, it will be necessary to compare results from sets of textile surfaces.

Practical implications

The measurement of fabric roughness by an RCM device is useful as simple tool for description of roughness in individual slices and in the whole rough plane. This method replaces the traditional contact stylus profiling methods

Originality/value

The reconstruction of surface roughness from individual slices. The utilization of aggregation principle for creation of micro and macro roughness. The evaluation of roughness parameters based on the geometrical characteristics, harmonic analysis and complexity indices.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 19 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2017

Stephen Mayowa Famurewa, Liangwei Zhang and Matthias Asplund

The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for maintenance analytics that is useful for the assessment of rail condition and for maintenance decision support. The…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for maintenance analytics that is useful for the assessment of rail condition and for maintenance decision support. The framework covers three essential maintenance aspects: diagnostic, prediction and prescription. The paper also presents principal component analysis (PCA) and local outlier factor methods for detecting anomalous rail wear occurrences using field measurement data.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used in this paper includes a review of the concept of analytics and appropriate adaptation to railway infrastructure maintenance. The diagnostics aspect of the proposed framework is demonstrated with a case study using historical rail profile data collected between 2007 and 2016 for nine sharp curves on the heavy haul line in Sweden.

Findings

The framework presented for maintenance analytics is suitable for extracting useful information from condition data as required for effective rail maintenance decision support. The findings of the case study include: combination of the two statistics from PCA model (T2 and Q) can help to identify systematic and random variations in rail wear pattern that are beyond normal: the visualisation approach is a better tool for anomaly detection as it categorises wear observations into normal, suspicious and anomalous observations.

Practical implications

A practical implication of this paper is that the framework and the diagnostic tool can be considered as an integral part of e-maintenance solution. It can be easily adapted as online or on-board maintenance analytic tool with data from automated vehicle-based measurement system.

Originality/value

This research adapts the concept of analytics to railway infrastructure maintenance for enhanced decision making. It proposes a graphical method for combining and visualising different outlier statistics as a reliable anomaly detection tool.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

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