This paper presents a method of acquisition and analysis of three-dimensional images in the task of automatic location and evaluation of defects on the surface of ceramic tiles. It presents a brief description of selected defects appearing on the surface of tiles, along with the analysis of their formation. The paper includes the presentation of the method of constructing a 3D image of the tile surface using the Laser Triangulation Method (LTM), along with the surface imaging parameters employed in the research. The algorithms of three-dimensional surface image analysis of ceramic tiles used in the process of image filtering and defect identification are presented. For selected defects, the method of measuring defect parameters and the method of visualization of defects on the surface are also presented. The developed method was tested on defective products to confirm its effectiveness in the field of quick defect detection in automated control systems installed on production lines.

The development of technology for manufacturing products and machines carrying out technological operations is closely linked to developing systems for tracking and controlling product and production process parameters. This paper shows how the development of quality control and production management systems such as TQM and MES is related to the development of imaging and image analysis methods used in industry. The development of imaging methods is discussed in the context of developing product quality control capabilities. It is also shown as to what extent image analysis can be used to observe manufacturing parameters and process management capabilities. It was noted that the use of vision systems as an industrial measurement-quality control system would still increase. Due to the increase in imaging resolution, there was an increase in the imaging frequency, growth in the spectral range of imaging, and the dynamic development of three-dimensional and hybrid imaging methods. Based on experience from industrial applications and tasks described in scientific publications, areas where vision systems will play a key role in inspection tasks have been identified. This is the introductory article for the Special Issue “Image Analysis for Product Quality Control” on using vision systems in various industries to execute production quality control tasks.

Forced vibrations analysis of a cantilever beam using the vision method

Bark microrelief (BM), or the spatial patterning of bark texture, is an important bark characteristic shown to significantly affect the ecophysiological functioning of forest ecosystems. BM influences bark micrometeorological conditions and stemflow generation which, in turn, impacts epiphytic vegetation and microbial community patterns, as well as insect foraging behavior. Thus, an objective method to quantify BM is important to understand and model hydro-biogeochemical processes in forest canopy ecosystems. The aim of this study was to develop a method for fast and automated imaging of bark surface morphology. Three-dimensional imaging methods using laser triangulation were used to describe BM. An automated system was developed and applied to calculate three new BM indices for samples collected from five trees representing species common throughout Poland (and Northern Europe): common oak, European ash, trembling aspen, Scots pine, and black alder. These new BM indices may be useful for characterizing and quantitatively relating BM to forest canopy ecophysiological functions.

This article presents selected issues related to the workpiece surface quality after machining by the laser sintering of AlSi10MG alloy powder. The surfaces of the workpiece were prepared and machined by longitudinal turning with tools made of sintered carbides. The occurrence of breaches on the machined material surface was found, which negatively influence the values of 3D surface roughness parameters. The occurring phenomena were analyzed and proposals for their explanation were made. Guidelines for the machining of workpieces achieved by the laser sintering of powders were developed. The lowest value of the 3D roughness parameters was obtained for f = 0.06 mm/rev, a_p = 0.5–1.0 mm, and for the nose radius of cutting insert r_ε = 0.8 mm. The results of research on the effect of cutting parameters on the values of parameters describing the surface quality are presented. Topography measurements and 3D surface roughness parameters are presented, as well as the results of a microscopic 3D surface analysis. Taguchi’s method was used in the research methodology.

This article discusses a vision method of measuring the geometric parameters of ropes and evaluating their wear based on measurements made in a three-dimensional projection of rope surface. The purposes of this method include assessment of the condition of all kinds of ropes working in the mining industry. The proposed method is novel, eliminates the shortcomings of previously used mandatory visual methods, removes their constraints, and is an important complement to magnetic methods. The article discusses the method of construction of a three-dimensional image based on mapping of the actual dimensions of the rope and on algorithms that allow determination of the parameters describing its basic geometrical dimensions and surface condition. The article discusses issues related to resolution of the vision system, resolution of laser beam analysis, and resolution relating to the measurement of the height profile on the surface of the rope. Based on the image constructed in such a way, measurements are presented in order to assess the dimensional parameters and surface defects in sample rope structures. Based on tests and analyses of the three-dimensional image, a range of inspection tasks using 3D vision systems is indicated.