Measurement of Spur Gear Parameters Using Machine Vision

Abstract

This paper presents a machine vision approach as a non-contact, automated method of measuring all critical dimensions of a spur gear, using image processing algorithms. Spur gear images are captured using image acquisition devices under backlight illumination and acquired in image processing software (MATLAB). Critical spur gear dimensions, such as addendum circle radius, dedendum circle radius, pitch circle radius, module, number of teeth, pressure angle, tooth thickness, and circular pitch, were extracted using various image processing and feature extraction algorithms. The values obtained using the machine vision approach are found to be in good agreement with those obtained using traditional metrology instruments and standard spur gear formulae. The approach can be adopted for developing an automated inspection system using image data.