Study on image segmentation method for on-line measurement of tendon thickness for flexible connector

Because of nonuniform illumination, texture and burrs on surface of metal workpiece, an image with strong reflection background, high noise and poor contrast is captured in on-line measurement for tendon thickness of flexible connector. According to the image feature in gray, gradient and spatial information, three image segmentation methods are presented, i.e., background region growth for outer flexible connector, gray gradient for inner flexible connector and transition region for both outer and inner flexible connector. Based on the measurement result, 0.5 μm repeatability is obtained by these image processing methods.