12 research outputs found
A reference architecture for flexibly integrating machine vision within manufacturing
A reference architecture provides an overall framework that may embrace models, methodologies and
mechanisms which can support the lifecycle of their target domain. The work described in this thesis
makes a contribution to establishing such a generally applicable reference architecture for supporting
the lifecycIe of a new generation of integrated machine vision systems.
Contemporary machine vision systems consist of a complex combination of mechanical engineering,
the hardware and software of an electronic processor, plus optical, sensory and lighting components.
"This thesis is concerned with the structure of the software which characterises the system application.
The machine vision systems which are currently used within manufacturing industry are difficult to
integrate within the information systems required within modem manufacturing enterprises. They are
inflexible in all but the execution of a range of similar operations, and their design and implementation
is often such that they are difficult to update in the face of the required change inherent within modem
manufacturing.
The proposed reference architecture provides an overall framework within which a number of supporting
models, design methodologies, and implementation mechanisms can combine to provide support
for the rapid creation and maintenance of highly structured machine vision applications. These applications
comprise modules which can be considered as building blocks of CIM systems. Their integrated
interoperation can be enabled by the emerging infrastructural tools which will be required to underpin
the next generation of flexibly integrated manufacturing systems.
The work described in this thesis concludes that the issues of machine vision applications and the
issues of integration of these applications within manufacturing systems are entirely separate. This separation
is reflected in the structure of the thesis. PART B details vision application issues while PAIIT C
deals with integration. The criteria for next generation integrated machine vision systems, derived in
PART A of the thesis, are extensive. In order to address these criteria and propose a complete architecture,
a "thin slice" is taken through the areas of vision application, and integration at the lifecycle
stages of design, implementation, runtime and maintenance.
The thesis describes the reference architecture, demonstrates its use though a proof of concept implementation
and evaluates the support offered by the architecture for easing the problems of software change
Advancement in robot programming with specific reference to graphical methods
This research study is concerned with the derivation of advanced robot
programming methods. The methods include the use of proprietary
simulation modelling and design software tools for the off-line
programming of industrial robots. The study has involved the generation
of integration software to facilitate the co-operative operation of these
software tools.
The three major researcli'themes7of "ease of usage", calibration and the
integration of product design data have been followed to advance robot
programming. The "ease of usage" is concerned with enhancements in the
man-machine interface for robo t simulation systems in terms of computer
assisted solid modelling and computer assisted task generation.
Robot simulation models represent an idealised situation, and any off-line
robot programs generated from'them may contain'discrepancies which could
seriously effect thq programs' performance; Calibration techniques have
therefore been investigated as 'a method of overcoming discrepancies
between the simulation model and the real world.
At the present time, most computer aided design systems operate as
isolated islands of computer technology, whereas their product databases
should be used to support decision making processes and ultimately
facilitate the generation of machine programs. Thus the integration of
product design data has been studied as an important step towards truly
computer integrated manufacturing.
The functionality of the three areas of study have been generalised and
form the basis for recommended enhancements to future robot programming
systems
Optimization of robotic assembly of printed circuit board by using evolutionary algorithm
This research work describes the development and evaluation of a custom application exploring the use of Artificial Immune System algorithms (AIS) to solve a component
placement sequencing problem for printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. In the assembly of PCB’s, the component placement process is often the bottleneck and the equipment to complete component placement is often the largest capital investment
A Company-led Methodology for the Specification of Product Design Capabilities in Small and Medium Sized Electronics Companies
It is the aim of the research reported in this thesis to improve the product design
effectiveness of small and medium sized electronics companies in the United Kingdom. It
does so by presenting a methodology for use by such firms which will enable them to
specify product design capabilities which are resilient to changes in their respective
business environments. The research has not, however, concerned itself with the details of
particular electronics component technologies or with the advantages of various CAD or
CAE products, although these are both important aspects of any design capability. Nor is it
concerned with the implementation of the product design capability. The methodology,
which represents a significant improvement on current practice, is a structured,
company-driven approach which draws extensively upon the lessons of international
design best practice. It uses well-proven tools and techniques to guide firms through the
entire process of creating such capabilities - from the development of an appropriate
Mission Statement to the identification of cost effective and appropriate design system
solutions which can readily be translated into action plans for improvement. The work
emphasises the importance of adopting a holistic, systems approach which acknowledges
the interrelationship between the management of the design process, as well as its
operational and supporting activities.
The research has been structured around the experiences of companies which have
implemented electronics design systems and which "own" the problem in question. Hence,
a research strategy was adopted which was based upon a case study approach and upon the
development of close collaborative links with two leading design automation tool vendor
companies. Case study interviews were undertaken in 18 U.K. and European electronics
companies and in 11 U.S., Japanese and Korean electronics firms. The work proceeded in
two distinct phases. Firstly, the author participated with other researchers to jointly develop
a functional specification of an electronics designers' toolset to support the process of
product design in an integrated manufacturing environment. The first phase provided the
context for Phase 2, the development of the AGILITY methodology for specifying product
design capabilities which represents the author's individual contribution.
The contribution to knowledge made by the research lies in the creation of a process
methodology which, for the first time, will help U.K. electronics companies to define for
themselves product design capabilities which are robust and which support their wider
business objectives. No such methodology is currently available in a form which is both
accessible and affordable to smaller firms. Furthermore, the author has uncovered no
evidence of the existence of such a methodology even for use by large electronics firms.
Validation of the methodology is subject to an ongoing process of feedback.Racal Redac Lt
A Specification For A Next Generation Cad Toolkit For Electronics Product Design
Electronic engineering product design is a complex process which has enjoyed an
increasing provision of computer based tools since the early 1980's. Over this period
computer aided design tool development has progressed at such a pace that new features
and functions have tended to be market driven. As such CAD tools have not been developed
through the recommended practise of defining a functional specification prior to any
software code generation.
This thesis defines a new functional specification for next generation CAD tools to support
the electronics product design process. It is synthesized from a review of the use of
computers in the electronics product design process, from a case study of Best Practices
prevalent in a wide range of electronics companies and from a new model of the design
process. The model and the best practices have given rise to a new concept for company
engineering documentation, the Product Book which provides a logical framework for
constraining CAD tools and their users (designers) as means of controlling costs in the
design process.
This specification differs from current perceptions of computer functionality in the CAD
tool industry by addressing human needs together with company needs of computer
supported design, rather than just providing more technological support for the designer in
isolation.Racal Reda
Coordination of production and sales
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