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Machine vision systems, having been in use for a number of years on specialized applications, are now being more commonly used in new machines to enhance accuracy and in older systems to achieve today's tolerance requirements without major mechanical refurbishment. Additionally, the data received from such systems is being used to create custom machine routines which provide useful tools on parts where complete numerical data is not available for programming. This paper will discuss how the need for such a system arose at Northrop Grumman and the solution developed.

Fuselage panels for the Boeing 747 aircraft have been assembled at the Northrop Commercial Aircraft Division Alameda (D2) facility since the mid 1960's. The assembly work has been accomplished using Gemcor CNC Drivmatic systems. These systems have performed reliably since their initial installation in the late 1960's, but have recently begun to show their age. In 1992, the decision was made to establish a project that would direct the retrofit of these systems to state-of-the-practice condition. This paper will discuss the planning, scheduling and specification development for that project.