Case Studies

Automated Vision Inspection for Aerospace

Automated Vision Inspection for Aerospace
Posted in Aerospace and Defense, LabVIEW, Machine Vision, Test & Measurement Automation

Summary

DMC developed custom acquisition software to collect data from client’s ultrasonic imaging prototype. The prototype uses proprietary ultrasound technology to scan areas of an airplane’s wing and fuselage to identify damage that is invisible to the naked eye. This prototype system is an important tool for the nondestructive testing of aerospace materials and can be used on aircraft that are currently in service.

Solution

DMC provided hardware consultation along with designing & developing custom manual test control software to allow Client's R&D team to productively test and refine the system components. Upon collection & analysis of test data, an automated test sequence was added, along with image processing features, that improved the performance of the prototype and allowed detailed image analysis.

DMC worked with the client to identify potential areas where inspection speed could be increased by modifying image processing algorithms, hardware, or test sequence. With estimated cost and benefits of each option under consideration, the client was able to make informed decisions and improve the program as budget allowed.
The following image processing steps are currently included in the program utilizing NI vision tools:

  1. Dot matrix calibration for image distortion correction
  2. Background image subtraction
  3. Combining raw images to form a single composite image from each scan
  4. Stitching of composite images of different areas of the part to allow analysis of larger parts
  5. Brightness and contrast adjustment
  6. Histogram and line profile of selected areas
  7. Point-to-point measurements in real-world units
  8. Color mapping to custom color scale

DMC engineers continue to work with the client to plan and implement new features for accommodating complex image processing challenges.

Learn more about our Test & Automation Solutions for Aerospace & Defense and contact us today for your next project.

Customer Benefits

  • Manual control of hardware
  • Automated sequence to acquire and process images
  • Image distortion correction
  • Variety of custom defect measuring tools
  • Able to modify and improve the program over time-based on end customer requests

Technologies