Intelligent system for automated components recognition and handling

M.Ing.A machine vision system must, by definition, be intelligent, adaptable and reliable to satisfY the objectives of a system that is highly interactive with its dynamic environment and therefore prone to outside error factors. A machine vision system is described that utilizes a 2D captured web cam image for the purpose of intelligent object recognition, gripping and handling. The system is designed to be generic in its application and adaptable to various gripper configurations and handling configurations. This is achieved by using highly adaptable and intelligent recognition algorithms the gathers as much information as possible from a 2D colour web cam image. Numerous error-checking abilities are also built into the system to account for possible anomalies in the working environment. The entire system is designed around four separate but tightly integrated systems, namely the Recognition, Gripping and Handling structures and the Component Database which acts as the backbone of the system. The Recognition system provides all the input data that is then used for the Gripping and Handling systems. This integrated system functions as a single unit but a hierarchical structure has been used so that each of the systems can function as a stand-alone unit. The recognition system is generic in its ability to provide information such as recognized object identification, position and other orientation information that could be used by another handling system or gripper configuration. The Gripping system is based on a single custom designed gripper that provides basic gripping functionality. It is powered by a single motor and is highly functional with respect to the large range of object sizes that it can grip. The Handling Sub-system controls gripper positioning and motion. The Handling System incorporates control of the robot and the execution of both predetermined and online adaptable handling algorithms based on component data. It receives data from the Component database. The database allows the transparent ability to add and remove objects for recognition as well as other basic abilities. Experimental verification of the system is performed using a fully integrated and automated program and hardware control system developed for this purpose. The integration of the proposed system into a flexible and reconfigurable manufacturing system is explained