Smart Inspection Systems

Smart Inspection Systems: Techniques and Applications of Intelligent Vision will enable engineers to understand the various stages of automated visual inspection (AVI) and how artificial intelligence can be incorporated into each stage to create "smart" inspection systems. The book contains many examples that illustrate and explain the application of conventional and artificial intelligence techniques in AVI. The text covers the whole AVI process, from illumination, image enhancement, segmentation and feature extraction, through to classification, and includes case studies of implemented AVI systems as well as reviews of commercially available inspection systems. Each chapter concludes with exercises. This book will be of interest to users and developers of commercial industrial inspection systems as well as researchers in the fields of machine vision, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing engineering.

This book examines an intelligent system for the inspection planning of prismatic parts on coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). The content focuses on four main elements: the engineering ontology, the model of inspection planning for prismatic parts on CMMs, the optimisation model of the measuring path based on an ant-colony approach, and the model of probe configuration and setup planning based on a genetic algorithm. The model of inspection planning for CMMs developed here addresses inspection feature construction, the sampling strategy, probe accessibility analysis, automated collision-free operation, and probe path planning. The proposed model offers a novel approach to intelligent inspection, while also minimizing human involvement (and thus the risk of human error) through intelligent planning of the probe configuration and part setup. The advantages of this approach include: reduced preparation times due to the automatic generation of a measuring protocol; potential optimisation of the measuring probe path, i.e., less time needed for the actual measurement; and increased planning process autonomy through minimal human involvement in the setup analysis and probe configuration.

This book provides a novel approach to building pathology in current buildings. Drawing on the available literature, hands-on experience and fieldwork inspections, it presents a systematic perspective on the pathology of the building envelope. The book addresses natural stone claddings, adhesive ceramic tiling, renders, painted surfaces, External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS), architectural concrete surfaces, windows and doors framing, and claddings for pitched and flat roofs. In addition to highlighting selected materials and construction elements, the book proposes a global classification system for defects and their probable causes, together with in situ diagnosis methods and repair techniques. It also identifies the relationships between defects and causes, diagnosis methods and repair techniques, and the interdependence between different defects, presenting these relations in the form of correlation matrices. Support files with detailed information and an inspection form are also provided. Selected case studies are presented to illustrate the value of a guidance system in fieldwork. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable guide, particularly for researchers, building inspectors, civil engineers, architects and maintenance planners.

Only half of a home inspector's challenge is technical-- the other half is effective communication with clients. This text is designed both for beginners who need an in- depth introduction and more advanced practitioners looking for tips, sample dialogue and documents, and an understanding of the scope and ethical aspects of a home inspection. The text includes "Inspection Checklists that summarize the important components and problems home inspectors will encounter, and can be used for actual inspections.

This book highlights the state-of-the-art with regard to inline pipe investigation and structural health monitoring of pipes. The book begins with applications of pipe inspection robots, and goes on to discuss. robots that are developed for a mobile platform, various sensors employed to sense defects, and different data storage/communication systems employed for damage prognosis. The book also introduces smart materials and smart sensors for use in pipe inspection robots. The contents of this book will be useful to researchers and professionals alike. The structure of the book enables its use as a text in professional training and development coursework.

Steam, electric and wall/floor heating methods are often neglected in other texts because they are not as widely used as other methods. For home inspectors who expect to see them in their practice, this book offers a solid introduction to the materials, components, operating principles, and safety controls of these heating methods.

Machine vision (MV) is the application of computer vision to industry and manufacturing. Machine Vision is a subfield of engineering that encompasses computer science, optics, mechanical engineering, and industrial automation. One of the most common applications of Machine Vision is the inspection of manufactured goods such as semiconductor chips, automobiles, food and pharmaceuticals. Just as human inspectors working on assembly lines visually inspect parts to judge the quality of workmanship, so machine vision systems use digital cameras, smart cameras and image processing software to perform similar inspections.The machine vision system which is capable of detecting contaminants present in the liquid contained bottles used to give good products to the market. The system can be mounted over conveyor belts where the bottles will be moving a relatively high velocity after packing. Thus this system provides on-line inspection facility. If any contaminant is detected in the products which are in the market for sale, it would cause a serious damage to the brand value. The manufacturers can go for this system if they don t want to risk damage to their brand name.