Electronic Imaging

Fundamentals:

Digger Tooth Monitoring

“..any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Arthur C. Clark

SEPTEMBER 2008

Presented by

Barry T. Fryer Dudley(MBA {IT}; MSc {Image Analysis}

Background: To operate a digger the right number of teeth are important. Identification of a missing tooth by human inspectors prone to short and long term variations.

An automated tooth ID inspection system using a camera is proposed.

Requirement: Provide image analysis technology linked to a camera to count the number of teeth on a digger in real time, alarming to the operator when a tooth is removed. Now possible to remove the tooth from the load, preventing further damage.

Why do Image Analysis?

Better Definition of Contrasting Areas Improved Precision/Accuracy in Measurements Reproducibility of Results Higher Throughput than Manual Methods

A Word About Our Eyes

Eyes are very good contrast adjusters, but not good for distinguishing subtle variations in color

Eyes can discern about 30 continuous levels of gray or color in a field of view

Eyes are not good judges of distance Eyes cannot accurately reproduce

measurements

Which is BIGGER / LONGER???

Electronic Imaging Fundamentals

Acquire

Process

Identify

Analyze

Report

Arguably, the most important aspect of all Proper setup of imaging apparatus is vital Obtain maximum contrast and dynamic range Reduce “noise” and other unwanted artifacts Uniform lighting (light) Product presentation (right way up) Resolution & Colour (CCTV VS DIGITAL)

Acquiring the Image

Slide 9

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Lens

Image sensor Digitizing

Pre-processing

Timing Interface

PLC

Cat-5e Ethernet cable up to 100 m

Local I/Os:- Trigger input- Results output

Illumination control

Image ProcessingIn PC

Illumination

(Lens Iris Video)

Power

Acquire

Thresholding an Image Select appropriate morphometric characteristics

Identify regions of interest to analyse

Mask regions

ColourSizeShape Intensity

All teeth present

1st tooth missing

Failure on:- Min Count- Defect detection

All teeth present

Pass all on:- Location- Count- Defect detection

2nd tooth missing

Fail on:- Count- Defect detection

2nd tooth: portion missing

Pass all on:- Location- 1st CountFAILURE- Defect detection- 2nd Count

Slide 16

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Product Review Image Analysis SOFTWARE and HARDWARE would be

used to capture an image of the digger teeth.

The image would be processed to determine the expected number of teeth, the length and orientation.  

If outside SPEC, Possible to have an audio and visual alarm on site or generated in the control room.

A report would be generated showing date, time, images etc.

SYSTEM DESIGNItem Part No Qty Unit Price Price

I-Cube Software 1 R 30,380.00 R 30,380.00

PSU 1 R 900.00 R 900.00

Break out box CON-IBOB 1 R 3,915.00 R 3,915.00

Ethernet Cable CCB-84901-1002-02 1 R 1,044.00 R 1,044.00

I/O Cable CCB-84901-0902-05 1 R 1,044.00 R 1,044.00Visual and Audio Alarm 1 R 12,520.00 R 12,520.00

Telecentric Lens TC2346 1 R 9,007.98 R 9,007.98Measurement design, configuration and verification (per day) 2 R 7,500.00 R 15,000.00

Commissioning on site (per day) 3 R 7,500.00 R 22,500.00

Total R 96,310.98

COST IMPLICATIONS

1. Purchase (1 system)

2. Lease (Rental) @ R per month

3. Cost per image (Transaction)

3 Payment Options• Cost per transaction (no image received, no

payment) @ R 0.99 c

• Fixed monthly cost (same price regardless of no. of teeth checked) = R 3, 852.44

• Capital amount (no further costs) @ R 96 310.98

SPIN OFFS1. Real time up date images of the digger in operation

2. Receive notification of a broken tooth immediately

3. Real time enquiries via Web Site / SMS / E-mail

4. Driver link to digger via biometric now possible

5. Regulate digger violations

6. Increased awareness by the operator that he being monitored

7. Feedback reporting to operator associations

8. Illegal operation

Slide 21 www.I-Cube.co.za

In Summary

All about tracking digger teeth, informing the operator of a lost tooth within seconds, changing user activities, combined with efficient workflow control, and increased accountability and profits, together with real time monitoring of digger operation.

Barry T. DUDLEY(MBA {IT}; MSc {Image Analysis}; BSc {Brewing}; BSc Hons {Waste Technology})

www.i-cube.co.za Cell: +27 (0) 82 562 8225MADADENI PH +27 (0) 31 764-3077

82 Kloof Falls Rd Fax 0866539659Kloof, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, 3610

E-mail: images@I-Cube.co.za

“..any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Arthur C. Clark

Technical QUESTIONS: