IMAQ Vision - ITR Solution

AI Signal Research Inc. provides custom Image Acquisition (IMAQ) solutions. We specialize at integrating computer-based measurements. ASRI can quickly transform a desktop computer into a world-class measurement and analysis center.

Injector Test Rig

A great example is NASA’s Experimental Fluid Dynamics Group. They have an Injector Test Rig (see photo at left) to test new injector designs. During operation, simulated fuel and oxidizer (generally oil and water) are injected together. The resulting mix varies spatially. To determine the spatial distribution, the mixture is drained at 625 locations (25 x 25 matrix) into racks of test tubes (shown at bottom of photo).

After the oil and water separate in the tubes, the fluid levels of all 625 tubes must be measured. You can imagine how cumbersome this task would be manually! NASA tasked ASRI to build a vision system to automate these measurements.

The measurement system uses 4 CCD cameras, a NI PCI 1408 IMAQ board, and LabVIEW software with the IMAQ Vision toolkit. Images are acquired at the touch of a button and automatically analyzed. The results for a single rack are displayed in the window shown at the right. Overall results are plotted on a 3D graph. Data are saved to disk in spreadsheet format. Individual images can be saved or loaded from disk at any time. This automation is expected to save many hours of laborious analysis effort.

Contact

AI Signal Research, Inc.
2001 Nichols Dr., S.W., Suite 300
Huntsville, Al 35802
Phone: (256)- 551-0008
Fax:     (256)- 551-0099

Email: asri@aisignal.com