General Electric Company

Steven M Wolff

David G Tashjian

Randall C Gantner

Rajendra P Rathi

John J Bottoms

Richard H Burkel

A vision system for automating a machine process. The system includes a conventional CCD camera and a vision processor which automatically determines process parameters from a workpiece surface by generating an image of the workpiece surface, transducing the workpiece image into electrical signals, and electronically determining the process parameters from the electrical signals. Applied to a laser welding process, the vision system locates workpiece edges, determines part centerline and thickness, and calculates process parameters such as weld location, the rate of delivery of weld powder, laser intensity, and the speed at which the weld is applied.

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Sprongboro, OH, United States of America

Steven M Wolff