Control of an Unstable Plant by Computer Vision

The measurement and control concept for a computer vision system is discussed that works on the basis of conventional TV-signals. A preprocessor system of parallel independently working window processors reduces the data flow. The system is used to stabilize an inverted pendulum on an electro-cart with closed loop corner frequencies up to 1 Hz. The performance achieved by the closed loop system and the sensitivity to parameter changes and disturbances is discussed. The vision system allows some features of higher intelligence as compared to conventional measuring systems.