Embedded control/signal processing tools providing improved automated inspection

The manufacturing inspection process for jet engine components, such as fan blades, requires a coordinated real-time control/acquisition system consisting of mechanical/electrical/control/signal processing components. A typical inspection system for composite testing (specifically - Boeing 777) utilizes a combination of mechanical control systems in conjunction with embedded hardware to successfully track, acquire, and analyze the surface dimension and sub-structure composition. Detecting anomalies within the highly contoured structure requires the ability to develop and execute a set of complex signal processing algorithms simultaneous with the real-time control of the mechanical system. The current architecture requires an additional twenty percent of the inspection time to complete the post process. Further complicating the process is the inability to mathematically map the complete part onto a 2-D surface resulting in a multiple segment approach. Though this method has proven successful, the segmented approach increases inspection time and complicates data management.