Innovative computer vision scanner for surface quality analysis with flexible application
Objective of the project: Aiming to increase the competitiveness of the Elinta group of companies by creating innovative surface quality control methods.
UAB Elinta Robotics (previously - the robotisation department of UAB Elinta) is one of the few companies in Lithuania that creates, manufactures and implements computer vision solutions. During the 28 years of its activity, the company implemented more than 100 projects in which it applied the knowledge gained in the field of image processing.
For the last few years, the company has been working intensively in the furniture industry sector, creating and implementing quality control systems for inspection of various components. The company also develops the creation, production and implementation of industrial automated and robotic production lines. The computer vision solutions applied in these lines provide the systems with intelligent management possibilities. During this project, a new innovative scanner for surface quality analysis was created, which allowed to increase the competitiveness of the company UAB Elinta Robotics both in the local and international markets.
The application of artificial intelligence has made it possible to adapt more flexibly the quality control solutions for the inspection of different surfaces. During the implementation of the project with the partner UAB Elinta, the scientific and technical potential of this company, its production base and its great experience in the field of scientific research were used.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Scientific research
The researches carried out during the project and the knowledge and data obtained during their execution made it possible to prepare the necessary methodologies and evaluation indicators and to implement innovative technical solutions. This made it possible to design and manufacture the layout of a scanning installation as well as the software.
Algorithms and software
During the project, a quality assessment system for the surfaces of furniture details and specialized software using artificial intelligence methods were created. The tools created can be used in the development and implementation of flexible computer vision systems for quality analysis of various surfaces.
Layout of the product
The results of the computer vision scanner layout research made it possible to define the requirements for product design solutions, after using the image processing and defect detection algorithms created during the project, to speed up the preparation and training of systems, to detect defects attributable to a new class or to prepare the system for quality control of new products.
Experimental development
The created, manufactured and calibrated prototype of the innovative computer vision scanner for universal application is capable of checking all surfaces currently presented by potential customers and detecting all known defects in them. In addition, the system is capable of measuring the geometric parameters of products (dimensions, diameter and position of holes, position and width of reefs, and others). An original synchronization system of three different conveyors and computer vision elements was produced, and the tests of the created quality control management system were carried out. The chosen construction of the product transportation system provides an opportunity, after having used the created prototype and having conducted additional research, to design a system that checks only relevant defects for users, thereby reducing the cost of the scanner and offering customers a competitive product in terms of price and quality. Based upon the received research results of the mechanical system of the prototype, recommendations regarding the production and assembly of the system were prepared, as well as requirements for materials and the accuracy of the production of components.
During the period of the project, a prototype of an innovative scanner was created, on the basis of which new control lines will be produced. Due to the support received and using its own investments for R&D activities, it is expected to receive the company‘s income from the products created and presented to the market in a ratio of 422% compared to the allocated investments.
Start of the project: 2020 09 01
Scientific research: 2020 09 21 – 2022 03 31
Experimental development: 2022 04 01- 2022 08 31
End of the project: 2022 08 31
Funding by priority:
13 PRIORITY Promotion of actions to overcome the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and preparation for an environmentally friendly, digital and sustainable economic recovery (PRIORITY 1. Promotion of scientific research, experimental development and innovation).
Priemonė: Instrument: Experiment No. 13.1.1-LVPA-K-856 (01.2.1-LVPA-K-856)
Project funded by: European Regional Development Fund
Overall budget of the project: 683 209,27 €
Funding received: 361 763,94 €
Contacts:
Rimvydas Meškauskas
Project Manager
E-mail: rimvydas.meskauskas@elinta.lt
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Lithuanian