AN INCREMENTAL REAL-TIME PATTERN TRACKING ALGORITHM FOR LINE-SCAN CAMERA APPLICATION

A map based algorithm for tracking a pre-defined arbitrary path across a surface with a known pattern but with an unknown, variable, degree of distortion is described. The approach is intended for use with a li ne-scan camera receiving data line-by-line from a moving web which is continuously patterned. The intended application is in separating ribb ons of textile lace by laser cutting. Emphasis is placed on minimising data manipulation to enable control information to be derived in real -time. Tests are described which investigate the robustness of the app roach when used with noisy signals and web patterns which are geometri cally distorted from their nominal form, laterally and/or longitudinal ly, by up to +/-10%. A practical real-time implementation of the algor ithm using DSP hardware is described.