IERUS Technologies, under subcontract to Tethers Unlimited, is developing a machine vision inspection system for the validation of metallic components additively manufactured in space. The effort has begun with a survey of vision technologies, including stereo vision, structure from motion, light field imaging, and structured illumination. Using the optical data, 3D point clouds will be registered as the object is viewed from multiple orientations. From the point cloud data, a mix of deterministic and machine learning algorithms will be used to identify geometric primitives that can be compared to those included in the computer aided design model. In addition, the system will estimate the surface roughness. Based upon the tolerances required within the CAD, pass/fail criteria will be established and the system will determine if the part passes, fails, or cannot be determined. At the end of the current phase, IERUS will perform a demonstration using a prototype system on a challenge artifact provided by NASA.
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