Automatic Deformation Detection for Visual Post Inspection

Computer vision algorithms are seeing increased use in industrial inspection applications. Here, we present an "aid to visual" system that can detect post deformations of less than 0.005 inches in jet engine high pressure turbine disks. We create a gold-standard reference post from the posts of sample turbine disks and then use registration, edge detection, and curve-similarity algorithms to identify unacceptable post deformations. We address the challenges associated with adapting academic algorithms for use in functioning inspection systems. We present novel solutions to deal with practical issues such as accuracy, speed, robustness, and ease of use. Finally, we have integrated our algorithms into the software used in the work-flow of plant-factory inspectors, who will be able to identify minute post deformations that were previously difficult to detect