SBIR PHASE I: Machine Vision System for Automated Imaging and Process Control

该小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目将开发一种全新形式的机器视觉技术，用于精密金属部件制造过程中的过程控制。 该技术将基于巨磁阻（GMR）传感器元件的二维阵列，能够实时提供金属部件的高分辨率三维图像。以前的研究与个别GMR传感器元件的尺寸为10微米已证明检测能力与灵敏度高达60分贝优于传统的涡流传感器在较低的每单位成本一个密集包装，二维GMR传感器阵列，结合可变频率，均匀磁场发生器，将产生高分辨率，在使用坚固的非接触式传感器系统生产复杂金属零件时，可获得其三维空间信息。 来自这些图像的数据将为制造过程中的过程控制、质量保证和安全协议提供在线反馈信息。 这些数据对于设计更有效的制造工艺也很有价值。GMR材料制造技术和传感器的成功开发将提供开发用于机器视觉和自动化制造的磁场传感器阵列所需的独特能力。 拟议的技术将在制造，质量保证（QA）和工艺开发中找到市场。 它将用于航空航天、汽车、运输、建筑和其他行业中使用的零件的快速成像和在线分析。

This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an entirely new form of machine vision technology for process control during the manufacture of precision metal components. The technology will be based on a two-dimensional array of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor elements capable of providing high resolution three-dimensional images of metallic components in real-time. Previous research with individual GMR sensor elements with dimensions of 10 microns has demonstrated detection capabilities with sensitivities up to 60 dB better than conventional eddy-current sensors at a lower per unit cost A densely packed, two-dimensional GMR sensor array, combined with a variable frequency, uniform magnetic field generator, will produce high resolution, three-dimensional spatial information for complex metallic parts as they are produced using a rugged, non-contacting sensor system. The data from these images will provide on-line feedback information for process control, quality assurance, and safety protocols during the manufacturing process. The data will also be valuable for the design of more effective manufacturing processes. The successful development of GMR material fabrication techniques and sensors will provide the unique capabilities required to develop a magnetic field sensor array for machine vision and automated manufacturing. The proposed technology will find markets in manufacturing, quality assurance (QA), and process development. It will be used for rapid imaging and on-line analysis of parts used in aerospace, automotive, transportation, construction, and other industries.