Method and apparatus for image registration

This invention relates to machine vision systems, and more particularly to an image registration method and apparatus for accurately registering an object to be inspected to reference data in order to detect flaws in the object. A machine vision system includes an apparatus for registering an input...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Nguyen, Van-Duc, Nzomigni, Victor, Stewart, Charles Vernon
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 07.01.2003
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Summary:This invention relates to machine vision systems, and more particularly to an image registration method and apparatus for accurately registering an object to be inspected to reference data in order to detect flaws in the object. A machine vision system includes an apparatus for registering an input image of an object, such as an aircraft engine blade, to a reference image comprising ideal specifications for the object in order to detect flaws in the object. The system includes one or more imaging devices for obtaining the input image representing the object. The system further includes a processor for registering the input image to the reference image. The processor includes a patch determining device for identifying low curvature portions of the reference image off-line. A transformation estimator matches the low curvature portions of the reference image to corresponding low curvature portions of the object, and provides a transformation matrix which maps points on the reference image to corresponding points on the input image for precise and fast registration.