SURVICE’s Enhanced Coherent Laser Radar (E-CLR), originally developed for the Northrop Grumman F-35 center-fuselage assembly line, is one of the most accurate noncontact dimensional inspection tools in existence.

Under a U.S. Air Force research grant, SURVICE enhanced a standard Nikon CLR by integrating a professional-grade photogrammetry system with advanced computer-vision technology to create a fully autonomous and programmable metrology solution.

Background

  • Problem:  The process of locating/aligning a metrology device before measurements can be taken is typically a time-consuming, manual process that must be conducted before every measurement session and whenever the device is moved or bumped.
  • Goal:  Develop a kit to augment the standard Nikon CLR with a customized computer vision system that can automatically determine the position of the device in relation to a known reference.
  • Results:
    • Demonstrated a significantly faster self-alignment functionality that can be applied with minimal training.
    • Demonstrated the ability to detect vibrations that affect the quality of measurements and alert the operator of bad measurements and/or autonomously discard them and try again (allowing the tool to be used in assembly lines without requiring workers to move out of the way or stop work).
    • Demonstrated the ability to scan extremely large volumes and operate in environments sensitive to foreign objects and debris (FOD).

Potential Applications

  • Industries that demand fast, highly accurate measurements of large parts or mating surfaces, such as the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries.
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