Machine vision system for identifying and sorting projectiles and other objects
First Claim
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1. A method of inspecting and sorting munitions, ordnance or other manufactured parts, comprising the steps of:
- consecutively conveying parts along a path which extends through a plurality of inspection stations including a circumference vision station;
facilitating movement of the parts through the circumference vision station such that all sides of each part are at least temporarily visually unobstructed;
illuminating an exterior side surface of each part when the part is visually unobstructed to generate a plurality of side images of the parts;
processing the side images of the part to identify physical part characteristics or defects; and
sorting the parts in accordance with the part characteristics or defects.
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Abstract
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.
74 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A method of inspecting and sorting munitions, ordnance or other manufactured parts, comprising the steps of:
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consecutively conveying parts along a path which extends through a plurality of inspection stations including a circumference vision station; facilitating movement of the parts through the circumference vision station such that all sides of each part are at least temporarily visually unobstructed; illuminating an exterior side surface of each part when the part is visually unobstructed to generate a plurality of side images of the parts; processing the side images of the part to identify physical part characteristics or defects; and sorting the parts in accordance with the part characteristics or defects. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A system for inspecting and sorting munitions, ordnance or other manufactured parts, comprising:
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a feeder for consecutively conveying parts along a path which extends through a plurality of inspection stations; the inspection stations including a circumference vision station through which each part is at least temporarily visually unobstructed; an illumination assembly to illuminate a plurality of annular, exterior side surfaces of a part when the part is visually unobstructed; an imaging assembly to generate a plurality of side images of the part when illuminated; a processor for processing the side images to identify part characteristics or defects; and a sorter for sorting the parts in accordance with the part characteristics or defects. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification