director, corporate communications
tel: (510) 814-7000
for pictures in 300 dpi format
send request to carol@rgb.com
RGB Spectrum's QuadView™ Processor Is an Integral Component in Daimler-Chrysler's New Manufacturing Innovations
Major Automaker Uses QuadView™ Display System to Improve Vehicle Quality
Daimler-Chrysler, one of the world's top vehicle manufacturers, is constantly developing new vehicle manufacturing processes to improve product quality and enhance production efficiency. Daimler-Chrysler's Windsor, Ontario, Canada manufacturing plant builds the best-selling Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country vehicles.
Daimler-Chrysler set a goal to improve the quality and reliability of their paint application process. In this process, it is necessary to have uniform heat distribution over the entire vehicle body so the paint cures properly. Until recently, paint application was measured by discrete thermocouples that were attached at eight to ten locations on the vehicle body. The thermocouples would measure the vehicle body temperature at each point of contact. Then, control room PCs would extrapolate temperatures from these points to calculate estimated temperatures for the remainder of the vehicle body. However, this measurement method is not completely precise in determining the actual temperatures over the vehicles' entire body. It does not, for instance, specifically identify areas where the paint application is non-uniform or inconsistent.
Chrysler's plan was to ensure consistent uniformity of the body's curing temperature, to achieve this goal a more accurate and comprehensive system for measuring the temperature of the vehicle's entire body was needed.
Working with audio-visual systems integrator, ICDS Inc, in Southfield, Michigan, Daimler Chrysler selected RGB Spectrum's QuadView display system as a key component in this new paint application system. This innovative process uses four infrared cameras strategically stationed. Images from the infrared cameras are transmitted via fiber optic network to four PCs located in the remote control room. The four control room PCs are controlled simultaneously by one keyboard and operator. The PCs' internal DSP boards convert these digital images into SVGA analog signals which are then output to the QuadView. The QuadView then outputs these images to the single monitor viewed by the control room operator for multiple image analysis.
Above: The four control room PCs. The PCs' internal DSP boards convert these digital images into SVGA analog signals which are then output to the QuadView. The QuadView then outputs these images to the single monitor viewed by the control room operator for multiple image analysis.
According to Phares Noel, Senior Manager of Technology for Daimler-Chrysler, "In this process, the control room operator must be able to see four images on a single monitor at the same time and be able to switch to a full screen view of any one of these images instantly. The QuadView is the only solution out there that can do what we needed."
Alan Murray, President of ICDS, said that "QuadView was chosen because it gave Daimler-Chrysler everything they wanted.. QuadView's flexibility enabled them to switch to full screen view when they needed to observe a particular hot or cold spot and zoom in on that location. QuadView delivered exceptional image quality, flexibility, and cost savings."
Mr. Noel concluded, "QuadView works great. We are very pleased with its capability and excellent image quality. I would definitely recommend it."
The QuadView multi-input display processor accepts up to four real-time inputs and displays the combined output on a single high resolution monitor or projector. The window inputs can be NTSC or PAL composite component and S-Video, and high resolution analog RGB up to 1600 x 1200 pixel resolution. Display options include simultaneous viewing of four inputs in quadrants or full screen display of any single input. Switching between inputs is clean and instantaneous with no loss of sync.
ICDS Inc. is a systems integrator specializing in energy management and electrical control for municipalities, utility companies, and the automotive industry. ICDS can be reached at 248-223-0980, and the internet at www.icds-inc.com
RGB Spectrum® is a leading designer and manufacturer of videographic and multimedia hardware subsystems. Products include the View™ family of video windowing systems, the RGB/Videolink® line of scan converters, the DGx™ digital recording system, and SuperWall™, ComputerWall® and MediaWall® multi-screen display controllers. RGB Spectrum is based in Alameda, California, and can be reached at 510-814-7000 and on the internet at http://www.rgb.com.