An efficient algorithm for measurement and comparison of large-scale hull pieces in the line-heating process

When a curved plate is subject to deformation during the forming operation in the shipbuilding process, the deformed shape is repeatedly measured and compared to the designed shape. Because there are a number of large curved plates of different sizes and shapes, efficient measuring and comparison processes are essential to examine the quality of deformed plates rapidly and accurately, and consequently to enhance productivity in the whole manufacturing process. Currently, deformed plates are measured and examined using traditional templates. This practice is not only time-consuming but prone to human errors. Therefore, a new approach to streamlining the measurement and comparison processes needs to be proposed. In this paper, an efficient algorithm for the measurement and comparison of curved plates is introduced. A full-scale measurement machine with its control software is constructed, and an algorithm for the comparison system is implemented. The integrated algorithm is verified with many curved pieces of different sizes and shapes.