Abstract
In this study, we constructed a preview-sensing visual sensor system for weld seam tracking in GMA welding. The visual sensor consists of a CCD camera, a diode laser system with a cylindrical lens and a band-pass-filter to overcome the degrading of image due to spatters and/or arc light. To obtain weld joint position and edge points accurately from the captured image, we compared Hough transform method with central difference method. As a result, we present Hough transform method can more accurately extract the points and it can be applied to real time weld seam tracking. Image processing is carried out to extract straight lines that express laser stripe. After extracting the lines, weld joint position and edge points is determined by intersecting points of the lines. Although a spatter trace is in the image, it is possible to recognize the position of weld joint. Weld seam tracking was precisely implemented with adopting Hough transform method, and it is possible to track the weld seam in the case of offset angle is in the region of $\pm15^{\circ}$.
