1,516 research outputs found
On flexibly integrating machine vision inspection systems in PCB manufacture
The objective of this research is to advance computer vision techniques
and their applications in the electronics manufacturing industry. The research has
been carried out with specific reference to the design of automatic optical inspection
(AOI) systems and their role in the manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCBs).
To achieve this objective, application areas of AOI systems in PCB manufacture
have been examined. As a result, a requirement for enhanced performance
characteristics has been identified and novel approaches and image processing algorithms
have been evolved which can be used within next generation of AOI systems.
The approaches are based on gaining an understanding of ways in which
manufacturing information can be used to support AOI operations. Through providing
information support, an AOI system has access to product models and associated
information which can be used to enhance the execution of visual inspection
tasks. Manufacturing systems integration, or more accurately controlled access to
electronic information, is the key to the approaches. Also in the thesis methods are
proposed to achieve the flexible integration of AOI systems (and computer vision
systems in general) within their host PCB manufacturing environment. Furthermore,
potential applications of information supported AOI systems at various stages of
PCB manufacturing have been studied.
It is envisaged that more efficient and cost-effective applications of AOI
can be attained through adopting the flexible integration methods proposed, since
AOI-generated information can now be accessed and utilized by other processes
Integrated automation for manufacturing of electronic assemblies
Since 1985, the Naval Ocean Systems Center has been identifying and developing needed technology for flexible manufacturing of hybrid microelectronic assemblies. Specific projects have been accomplished through contracts with manufacturing companies, equipment suppliers, and joint efforts with other government agencies. The resulting technology has been shared through semi-annual meetings with government, industry, and academic representatives who form an ad hoc advisory panel. More than 70 major technical capabilities have been identified for which new development is needed. Several of these developments have been completed and are being shared with industry
A Longitudinal Study of the Utilization of Production Management Techniques by Small Electronics Firms
This study is a longitudinal examination of the changes that have taken place in the utilization of production management tools and techniques through the 1981-1988 time period. Results suggest that small electronic manufacturing firms are actively attempting to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their manufacturing process. Of particular interest is the apparent emphasis on seeking to contain costs while simplifying the manufacturing process.
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
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