SBIR/STTR Phase II: Machine Vision System for Automated Imaging and Process Control

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第二阶段项目将开发一种全新形式的机器视觉技术，用于金属部件的过程控制。该技术基于一系列巨磁阻（GMR）传感器，可生成隐藏缺陷、缺失部件和其他特征的高分辨率图像。微型GMR传感器检测与被成像部件中感应的涡流相关的磁场。高空间分辨率图像是通过阵列中传感器的高密度和小尺寸，加上传感器的高灵敏度、低噪声和快速响应来实现的。GMR传感器阵列与磁场发生器相结合，可以使用坚固的非接触式传感器系统在零件生产时产生零件的高分辨率三维图像。该图像为过程控制、质量保证和安全协议提供在线反馈。第一阶段项目开发了功能性GMR传感器阵列，并成功地对金属零件中的缺陷进行成像，清楚地证明了该技术的可行性。 拟议技术的商业潜力将在制造、质量保证（QA）和过程控制方面。它将用于电子、航空航天、汽车、运输、建筑、生物医学和其他行业中使用的零件的快速成像和检测。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an entirely new form of machine vision technology for process control of metallic components. The technology is based on an array of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors that produce high-resolution images of hidden defects, missing parts, and other features. Minute GMR sensors detect magnetic fields associated with eddy currentsinduced in the component being imaged. High spatial resolution images are achieved through the high density and small size of the sensors in the array, coupled with the high sensitivity, low noise, and fast response of the sensors. A GMR sensor array, combined with a magnetic field generator, can produce high resolution, three-dimensional images of parts as they are produced, using a rugged, non-contacting sensor system. The images provide on-line feedback for process control, quality assurance, and safety protocols.The Phase I project developed functional GMR sensor arrays, and successfully imageddefects in metallic parts clearly demonstrating that the technology is feasible. The commercial potential of the proposed technology will be in manufacturing, quality assurance (QA), and process control. It will be used for rapid imaging and inspection of parts used in electronics, aerospace, automotive, transportation, construction, biomedical and other industries.