Patent Publication Number: US-9833962-B2

Title: Systems and methods for controlling manufacturing processes

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present specification generally relates to systems and methods for controlling manufacturing processes and, more specifically, to systems and methods for controlling manufacturing processes with vision systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Transfer press assemblies are often used in various manufacturing industries, such as automotive and appliance industries, due to the relatively large volume of parts that can be produced in a progressive, automated fashion. Multiple die stations are often provided, where a blank is delivered to each of the dies stations in successive fashion for a forming operation. The part is often delivered to each of the die stations using a transfer feeder assembly. Transfer feeder bars of the transfer feeder assembly move along an axis for moving the parts from one die station to the next. Automation of the transfer press assembly can utilize various sensors and processors to synchronize the operation of the die stations and the transfer feeder assembly. The performance of the transfer press assembly can be impacted by the control systems and methods utilized for automation. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for alternative systems and methods for controlling manufacturing processes with vision systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a method for controlling a manufacturing process can include obstructing a part receiving path of a press station with a part detection fixture. The part detection fixture can be attached to the press station. The part detection fixture can include a moveable contact member and a target body that moves in response to motion of the moveable contact member. The moveable contact member of the part detection fixture can obstruct the part receiving path such that the target body of the part detection fixture is positioned in a dissenting state. The workpiece can be received along the part receiving path of the press station. The moveable contact member of the part detection fixture can contact the workpiece. The target body of the part detection fixture can be positioned in an assenting state coincident with contact between the moveable contact member of the part detection fixture and the workpiece. Image data of the target body of the part detection fixture can be detected with a vision system. The target body of the part detection fixture can be positioned in the assenting state, and the image data of the target body can be indicative of the assenting state. The press station can be actuated when the image data of the target body is indicative of the assenting state. 
     In another embodiment, a method for controlling a manufacturing process can include obstructing a part receiving path of a press station with a part detection fixture. The part detection fixture can be attached to the press station and can include a moveable contact member and a target body that moves in response to motion of the moveable contact member. The moveable contact member of the part detection fixture can obstruct the part receiving path such that the target body of the part detection fixture is positioned in a dissenting state. Image data of the target body of the part detection fixture can be detected with a vision system, while the target body of the part detection fixture is positioned in the dissenting state. The image data of the target body can be indicative of the dissenting state. A workpiece can be received along the part receiving path of the press station when the image data of the target body is indicative of the dissenting state. 
     In yet another embodiment, a system for controlling a manufacturing process can include a press station, a complimentary die assembly, a feed assembly, an actuation system, a part detection fixture, a vision system and a control system. The press station can include a ram member and a bolster member. The ram member can be operable to move relative to the bolster member. The complimentary die assembly can include a ram die attached to the ram member and a bolster die attached to the bolster member. The feed assembly can be operable to move a workpiece with respect to the press station. The actuation system can be operably coupled to the feed assembly and the press station. The part detection fixture can be attached to the bolster member of the press station. The part detection fixture can include a moveable contact member and a target body that moves in response to motion of the moveable contact member. The moveable contact member of the part detection fixture can obstruct a part receiving path of the press station. The vision system can have a field of view. The target body of the part detection fixture can be located within the field of view of the vision system. The control system can be communicatively coupled to the actuation system and the vision system. The control system can execute functions to automatically open the press station wherein the ram die and the bolster die are separated by a relatively large offset. The control system can execute functions to automatically receive image data of the target body of the part detection fixture from the vision system. The control system can execute functions to automatically urge the workpiece along the part receiving path of the press station, after the image data of the target body is indicative of the target body of the part detection fixture located in a dissenting state. The workpiece can contact the moveable contact member of the of the part detection fixture, while being urged along the part receiving path of the press station. The contact between the moveable contact member of the part detection fixture and the workpiece can cause the target body of the part detection fixture to move to an assenting state. The control system can execute functions to automatically close the press station wherein the ram die and the bolster die are separated by a relatively small offset, when the image data of the target body is indicative of the target body of the part detection fixture located in the assenting state. 
     These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: 
         FIG. 1  schematically depicts a system for controlling manufacturing processes according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B  schematically depict components of a complimentary die assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  schematically depict a part detection fixture according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  schematically depict a part detection fixture according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  schematically depict a part detection fixture according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and 
         FIG. 7  schematically depicts image data of a field of view of a vision system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  generally depicts one embodiment of a system for controlling manufacturing processes. The system generally comprises a press assembly, a vision system, and one or more part detection fixtures. The vision system can be operable to detect the one or more part detection fixtures. Various embodiments of the system for controlling manufacturing processes and the operation of the system for controlling manufacturing processes will be described in more detail herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a system  10  for controlling manufacturing processes is schematically depicted. The system  10  can comprise a press assembly  11  for forming a workpiece  80  by exerting pressure upon the workpiece  80 . In some embodiments, the press assembly  11  can be configured as a transfer press. Accordingly, the press assembly  11  can comprise a feed assembly  12  for automatically moving the workpiece  80  along a feed direction  22 , which is depicted in  FIG. 1  as being in substantial alignment with the x-axis, from a first press station  40  to a second press station  60 . Thus, the press assembly  11  can be configured perform to forming processes in a progressive manner. 
     The feed assembly  12  can comprise a feed bar  14  and a feed bar  16  offset from one another and substantially aligned along the feed direction  22 . In some embodiments, the feed bar  14  and the feed bar  16  can be substantially parallel to one another to define the feed direction  22  through the press assembly  11 . Each feed bar  14  and feed bar  16  can comprise a plurality of fingers  24  for manipulating the workpiece  80 . The fingers  24  of the feed bar  14  and the fingers  24  of the feed bar  16  can extend toward each other to span at least a portion of a distance between the feed bar  14  and the feed bar  16 . Accordingly, the fingers  24  of the can be spaced closer to one another along the y-axis than the feed bar  14  and the feed bar  16 . As is described in greater detail herein, the fingers  24  of the feed bar  14  and the feed bar  16  can cooperate to manipulate the workpiece  80  during forming processes. 
     The system  10  can comprise an actuation system  20  for providing motive force for components of the press assembly  11 . Specifically, the actuation system  20  can comprise one or more servomechanism for providing a controlled amount of force to the press assembly  11  for moving the workpiece  80 , forming the workpiece  80 , or both. Accordingly, the actuation system  20  can comprise a mechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electrical actuator, or combinations thereof. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 1 , the system  10  can further comprise a control system  30  that comprises one or more processors  32  for automatically performing functions of the press assembly  11 . For the purpose of defining and describing the present disclosure, it is noted that the term “processor” generally means a device that executes functions according to machine readable instructions such as, for example, an integrated circuit, a microchip, a computer, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or the like. It is furthermore noted that the functions described herein may comprise machine readable instructions having logic or algorithms written in any programming language of any generation (e.g., 1GL, 2GL, 3GL, 4GL, or 5GL) such as, e.g., machine language that may be directly executed by the processor, or assembly language, object-oriented programming (OOP), scripting languages, microcode, etc., that may be compiled or assembled into machine readable instructions and stored on a machine readable medium. Alternatively, the logic or algorithm may be written in a hardware description language (HDL), such as implemented via either an FPGA configuration or an ASIC, or their equivalents. 
     The control system  30  can further comprise memory  34  communicatively coupled to the one or more processors  32 , which is generally depicted in the FIGS. as arrows. The memory  34  can comprise non-transitory memory such as, for example, Random-Access memory (RAM) including, but not limited to, Dynamic Random-Access memory (DRAM) and Static Random-Access memory (SRAM); Read-only memory (ROM) including, but not limited to, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only memory (EEPROM), Erasable Programmable Read-only memory (EPROM); flash memory; Mechanical memory including, but not limited to, magnetic drive and hard drives; or any device capable of storing machine readable instructions. As used herein, the phrase “communicatively coupled” can mean that components are capable of exchanging data signals with one another such as, for example, electrical signals via conductive medium, electromagnetic signals via air, optical signals via optical waveguides, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the control system  30  can comprise one or more input/output device  36  communicatively coupled to the one or more processors  32 , memory  34 , or both. The input/output device  36  can comprise an input device that receives tactile or audio input and transforms the input into a data signal such as, for example, a switch, a button, a microphone or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the input/output device  36  can comprise an output device for transforming signals from the one or more processors  32  into human interpretable form such as, for example, a display, a printer, a speaker, or the like. 
     As is noted above, the press assembly  11  can comprise the first press station  40  and the second press station  60 . Each of the first press station  40  and the second press station  60  can be configured for performing forming operations such as, for example, drawing, trimming, bending, piercing, stamping, or the like. In some embodiments, the first press station  40  can comprise a complimentary die assembly  42  that is configured to form the workpiece  80  into a desired shape. Specifically, the first press station  40  can comprise a ram member  44  and a bolster member  48  that are configured for relative motion along a pressing direction, which is depicted in  FIG. 1  as being substantially aligned with the z-axis. Accordingly, the complimentary die assembly  42  can be configured to receive the workpiece  80  when the ram member  44  and the bolster member  48  have a relatively large offset in the press direction and to strike the workpiece  80  when the ram member  44  and the bolster member  48  have a relatively small offset in the press direction. Thus, the first press station  40  can be configured to form the workpiece  80  into the workpiece  82 . The workpiece  82  can comprise a shaped region  84  corresponding to the desired shape of the complimentary die assembly  42 . 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A , the second press station  60  can comprise a complimentary die assembly  62  that is configured to form the workpiece  86  into a desired shape. Like the first press station  40 , the second press station  60  can comprise a ram member  64  and a bolster member  68  that are configured for relative motion along the pressing direction, i.e., substantially along the z-axis. In some embodiments, the bolster member  68  can be substantially fixed and the ram member  64  can actuated along the part forming direction during the part forming processes. Accordingly, the bolster member  68  can be configured to be substantially rigid along the part forming direction. 
     The complimentary die assembly  62  can be configured to receive the workpiece  86  when the ram member  64  and the bolster member  68  have a relatively large offset in the press direction and to strike the workpiece  86  when the upper member  64  and the bolster member  68  have a relatively small offset in the press direction. In some embodiments, the complimentary die assembly  62  can comprise a bolster die  72  configured for attaching with the bolster member  68  and a ram die  74  configured for attaching with the ram member  64 . The bolster die  72  and the ram die  74  can be shaped in a complimentary manner such that, when the workpiece  86  is disposed between the bolster die  72  and the ram die  74 , the bolster die  72  and the ram die  74  cooperate to form the workpiece  86  into a predetermined shape. It is noted that the term “attach,” as used herein, can mean affixing securely one object to another object such as, for example, via a fastener, via welding, by making integral, or the like. 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the ram member  64  can be shaped to avoid contact with the part detection fixture  100 , when the complimentary die assembly  62  has a relatively small offset. Accordingly, the ram member  64  can be formed such that it occupies a small enough area to avoid the part detection fixture  100 . Alternatively or additionally, the ram member  164  can be formed with one or more cutouts  166  that are sized to receive the part detection fixture  100  without making contact. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the system  10  can comprise a vision system  90  for capturing image data of a part detection fixture  100 . The vision system  90  can comprise one or more sensors or cameras for capturing image data within a field of view  92 . The image data can be captured in two dimensions or three dimensions in visible or infrared light. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the vision system  90  can comprise an infrared light source for illuminating the field of view  92  of the vision system  90 . The vision system  90  can comprise one or more integral processor for performing image processing functions (e.g., a smart camera). Alternatively or additionally, the vision system  90  can be communicatively coupled to the one or more processors  32  such that the control system  30  performs image processing functions, interprets output from the vision system or both. Suitable vision systems include one or more of the machine vision systems available from Keyence Corporation of Itasca, Ill., USA or the vision sensors available from Banner Engineering Corp. of Minneapolis, Minn., USA. 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 1, 2, 4A and 4B , the system  10  can comprise a part detection fixture  100  for detecting the presence of the workpiece  86  within the second press station  60 . The part detection fixture  100  can comprise a moveable contact member  102  configured for movement in response to contact with the workpiece  86  and a target body  104  configured for movement in response to movement of the moveable contact member  102 . The movement of the moveable contact member  102  and the target body  104  can comprise translation, rotation, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the moveable contact member  102  and the target body  104  can be integral. For example, the moveable contact member  102  can be located at a first end  116  of an arcuate body  114  and the target body  104  can be located at a second end  118  of the arcuate body  114 . The arcuate body  114  can form a curved span between the moveable contact member  102  and the target body  104 . Accordingly, the target body  104  can be offset vertically (z-direction), horizontally (x-direction or y-direction), or both from the moveable contact member  102 . 
     The part detection fixture  100  can comprise a vertical member  110  for facilitating movement of the moveable contact member  102  and a mounting member  112  configured for attaching with the second press station  60 . In some embodiments, the vertical member can extend substantially vertically, i.e., substantially along the z-axis, away from the mounting member  112 . The moveable contact member  102  and the target body  104  can be configured to rotate with respect to the vertical member  110  of the part detection fixture  100 . In some embodiments, the arcuate body  114  can be rotatably engaged with the vertical member  110  at an axis of rotation  108 . The rotatable engagement can be formed by any device suitable to facilitate rotation such as, for example, an axle, a pin, a bearing, or the like. Accordingly, as is described in greater detail herein, the arcuate body can rotate around the axis of rotation  108  to move the target body  104  from being positioned in the dissenting state ( FIG. 4A ) to being positioned in the assenting state ( FIG. 4B ). 
     The part detection fixture  100  can comprise a guide member  106  for constraining the motion of the workpiece  86  along a part receiving path  120 . The guide member  106  can be attached to the vertical member  110  and extend at least a portion of the part receiving path  120 . In some embodiments, the part receiving path  120  can extend through a part introduction region  122 , which can correspond to the top (maximum z) of the guide member  106 , and a part forming region  124 , which can correspond the bottom (minimum z) of the guide member  106 . In further embodiments, the guide member  106  can be configured to accept the workpiece  86  and locate the workpiece to a desired location. Accordingly, the guide member  106  can be flared such that the part introduction region  122  of the guide member  106  has a greater offset from the part receiving path  120  than the part forming region  124  of the guide member  106 . Referring to the coordinate system of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the guide member  106  can be flared such that the part introduction region  122  begins at a minimum x position and gradually increases in x value as the guide member  106  curves in the negative z direction. Moreover, the guide member  106  can transition from being flared to being substantially linear from the part introduction region  122  of the guide member  106  towards the part forming region  124  of the guide member  106 . 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 1, 2, 5A and 5B , the system  10  can further comprise a part detection fixture  200  for detecting the presence of the workpiece  86  within the second press station  60 . Like the part detection fixture  100 , the part detection fixture  200  can comprise a guide member  206  for constraining the motion of the workpiece  86  along a part receiving path  120 , a vertical member  210  for facilitating movement of a moveable contact member  202  and a mounting member  212  configured for attaching with the second press station  60 . Additionally, the part detection fixture can comprise a target body  204  configured for movement in response to movement of the moveable contact member  202 , and the moveable contact member  202  can be configured for movement in response to contact with the workpiece  86 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the moveable contact member  202  and the target body  204  can be configured as a moving linkage with each of the moveable contact member  202  and the target body  204  form a link of the linkage. In some embodiments, the moveable contact member  202  can be configured to translate. Specifically, the moveable contact member  202  can be in sliding engagement with the mounting member  212 , the vertical member  210 , or both. For example, the moveable contact member  202  can comprise a slot engagement member  218  for protruding into the mounting member  212 . The mounting member  212  can comprise a slot  216  for accepting and constraining the slot engagement member  218  of the moveable contact member  202 . The slot engagement member  218  of the moveable contact member  202  can cooperate with the slot  216  of the mounting member  212  to form the sliding engagement. Alternatively or additionally, the moveable contact member  202  can comprise a slot engagement member  222  for protruding into the vertical member  210 . The vertical member  210  can comprise a slot  220  for accepting and constraining the slot engagement member  222  of the moveable contact member  202 . The slot engagement member  222  of the moveable contact member  202  can cooperate with the slot  220  of the vertical member  210  to form the sliding engagement. 
     In some embodiments, the target body  204  can be configured to rotate in response to translation by the moveable contact member  202 . Specifically, the target body  204  can be rotatably engaged with the vertical member  210  at an axis of rotation  208 . The target body  204  can also form a sliding engagement  214  with the moveable contact member  202 . Accordingly, as the moveable contact member  202  moves along the x-direction, the target body  204  can rotate around the axis of rotation  208  and slide via the sliding engagement  214  such that the target body  204  is moved from being positioned in the dissenting state ( FIG. 5A ) to being positioned in the assenting state ( FIG. 5B ). 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 1, 2, 6A and 6B , the system  10  can further comprise a part detection fixture  300  for detecting the presence of the workpiece  86  within the second press station  60 . Like the part detection fixture  100 , the part detection fixture  300  can comprise a moveable contact member  302  configured for movement in response to contact with the workpiece  86 , a target body  304  configured for movement in response to movement of the moveable contact member  302 , a vertical member  310  for facilitating movement of the moveable contact member  102  and a mounting member  312  configured for attaching with the second press station  60 . In some embodiments, the moveable contact member  302  can be located at a first end  316  of an arcuate body  314  and the target body  304  can be located at a second end  318  of the arcuate body  314 . Accordingly, the target body  304  can be offset vertically (z-direction), horizontally (x-direction or y-direction), or both from the moveable contact member  302 . Additionally, the arcuate body  314  can be rotatably engaged with the vertical member  310  at an axis of rotation  308 . Accordingly, as is described in greater detail herein, the arcuate body  314  can rotate around the axis of rotation  308  to move the target body  304  from being positioned in the dissenting state ( FIG. 6A ) to being positioned in the assenting state ( FIG. 6B ). 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , embodiments of the system  10  can comprise the press assembly  11 . The press assembly  11  can comprise the feed assembly  12  for conveying the workpiece  80 , the workpiece  82  and the workpiece  86  along the feed direction  22 . It is noted that, while each of the workpiece  80 , the workpiece  82  and the workpiece  86  is described as separate objects, any of the processes that are described as being applied to any of the workpiece  80 , the workpiece  82  and the workpiece  86  can be applied to each of the workpiece  80 , the workpiece  82  and the workpiece  86 . For example, the press assembly  11  can be configured as a manufacturing line whereby a plurality of processes is applied to each object according to a predetermined sequence. In some embodiments, the press assembly  11  can comprise the first press station  40  and second press station  60  that are configured to progressively form the workpiece  86 . Accordingly, the complimentary die assembly  42  of the first press station  40  can be configured to form the workpiece  80  into the workpiece  82 , and the complimentary die assembly  62  of the second press station  60  can be configured to form the workpiece  82  into the workpiece  86 . 
     The system  10  can comprise the actuation system  20  operably coupled to the feed assembly  12 , the first press station  40 , the second press station  60 . Accordingly, the actuation system  20  can be configured to provide the motive force to the feed assembly  12  for the conveyance of the workpiece  86 . The actuation system  20  can further be configured to provide the motive force for opening and closing the ram member  44  and the bolster member  48  of the first press station  40 . Additionally, the actuation system  20  can be configured to provide the motive force for opening and closing the ram member  64  and the bolster member  68  of the second press station  60 . 
     The system  10  can comprise the control system  30  having one or more processors  32  communicatively coupled to the actuation system  20 . Accordingly, the one or more processors  32  of the control system  30  can execute manufacturing functions to cause the actuation system  20  to operate automatically and thus, the press assembly  11  to operate automatically. For example, the manufacturing functions can include movement of the feed assembly, the first press station  40 , the second press station  60 , or combinations thereof. 
     The system  10  can comprise the vision system  90 , wherein the vision system  90  is communicatively coupled to the one or more processors  32  of the control system  30 . As is noted above, the vision system  90  can comprise integral processors for performing image processing functions. Accordingly, the vision system  90 , the one or more processors  32  of the control system  30 , or combinations thereof can perform image processing functions. Moreover, the one or more processors  32  of the control system  30  can facilitate the exchange of inputs and outputs from between the manufacturing functions and the image processing functions. As a result, the image processing functions can be integrated with the manufacturing functions. 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 1, 2, 4A, 5A, and 6A , the system  10  can comprise the part detection fixture  100 , the part detection fixture  200 , the part detection fixture  300 , or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the part detection fixture  100  can be located within the field of view  92  of the vision system  90 . The part detection fixture  100  can be attached to the second press station  60 . Specifically, the part detection fixture  100  can be attached to the bolster member  68  such that, when the target body  104  is in the dissenting state ( FIG. 4A ), the moveable contact member  102  obstructs the part receiving path  120 . Alternatively or additionally, the part detection fixture  200  can be located within the field of view  92  of the vision system  90  and can be attached to the second press station  60 . Specifically, the part detection fixture  200  can be attached to the bolster member  68  such that, when the target body  204  is in the dissenting state ( FIG. 5A ), the moveable contact member  202  obstructs the part receiving path  120 . Alternatively or additionally, the part detection fixture  300  can be located within the field of view  92  of the vision system  90  and can be attached to the second press station  60 . For example, the part detection fixture  300  can be attached to the bolster member  68  such that, when the target body  304  is in the dissenting state ( FIG. 6A ), the moveable contact member  302  obstructs the part receiving path  120 . 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 4A and 4B , the second press station  60  can be caused to automatically open by the actuation system  20  and the control system  30 . Accordingly, the ram die  74  and the ram member  64  can have a relatively large offset from the bolster die  72  and the bolster member  68 . The relatively large offset can be large enough to receive the workpiece  86  via the feed assembly  12 . In some embodiments, feed assembly can be configured to urge the workpiece  86  along the part receiving path  120 . 
     When the complimentary die assembly  62  is clear of the workpiece  86 , the part detection fixture  100  can be configured to be in the dissenting state ( FIG. 4A ). Specifically, the target body  104  can be positioned in the dissenting state. Additionally, the moveable contact member  102  can obstruct the part receiving path  120 , such that the moveable contact member  102  is operable to make contact with the workpiece  86  as the workpiece  86  travels along the part receiving path  120 . In some embodiments, the manufacturing functions can be configured to urge the workpiece  86  along the part receiving path  120  only when the part detection fixture  100  indicates that the complimentary die assembly  62  is clear of the workpiece  86 . 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 1 and 7 , the vision system can detect image data of the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100 . The image processing functions can automatically analyze the image data to determine the state of the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100 . In some embodiments, the image processing functions can compare the image data with a detection region  94 . The detection region  94  can be associated with a predetermined state, e.g., the assenting state or the dissenting state. In embodiments, where the detection region is associated with the assenting state, the image processing functions can determine that the target body  104  is in the dissenting state when a predetermined dissenting quantity of the target body  104  is outside of the detection region  94 . It is noted that, while the detection region  94  is depicted in  FIG. 7  as being associated with the assenting state, the image processing functions described herein can utilize additional detection regions or alternative detection regions to determine that the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100  is in the dissenting state. It is furthermore noted that the image processing functions can utilize alternative analyses to determine the state of the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100  such as, but not limited to, edge detection, corner detection, blob detection, or any other image processing function suitable for detecting the position of the target body  104  relative to the field of view  92  of the vision system  90 . 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 1, 4A and 4B , upon determining that the complimentary die assembly  62  is open and that the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100  is in the dissenting state, the manufacturing functions can automatically cause the workpiece  86  to be urged along the part receiving path  120  by the feed assembly  12 . Accordingly, the introduction of the workpiece  86  into the cleared and open complimentary die assembly  62  can cause the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100  to transition from the dissenting state ( FIG. 4A ) to the assenting state ( FIG. 4B ). Specifically, as the workpiece  86  is urged along the part receiving path  120 , the workpiece  86  can be constrained by the guide member  106 . Additionally, the workpiece  86  can contact the moveable contact member  102  of the part detection fixture  100 . The contact between the workpiece  86  and the moveable contact member  102  can cause the moveable contact member  102  to move such that the moveable contact member  102  no longer obstructs the part receiving path  120 . The motion of the moveable contact member  102  out of the part receiving path  120  can cause the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100  to transition to the assenting state ( FIG. 4B ). Thus, the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100  can be placed or maintained in the assenting state ( FIG. 4B ) coincident with contact between the moveable contact member  102  of the part detection fixture  100  and the workpiece  86 . Moreover, because of the offset between the moveable contact member  102  and the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100 , the contact between the moveable contact member  102  of the part detection fixture  100  and the workpiece  86  can be obscured from the vision system  90 , while the target body  104  is detected by the vision system  90 . For example, the moveable contact member  102  of the part detection fixture  100  can be outside of the field of view  92  of the vision system  90  and the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100  can be within the field of view  92  of the vision system  90 , while the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100  is located in the assenting state ( FIG. 4B ). 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 1, 4B and 7 , the vision system  90  can detect image data of the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100 , while the target body  104  is in the assenting state ( FIG. 4B ). The image processing functions can automatically analyze the image data to determine whether the target body  104  is in the assenting state ( FIG. 4B ). In some embodiments, the image processing functions can compare the image data with a detection region  94  that is associated with the assenting state. Accordingly, the image processing functions can determine that the target body  104  is in the dissenting state when a predetermined assenting quantity of the target body  104  is inside the detection region  94 . It is noted that, while the detection region  94  is depicted in  FIG. 7  as being associated with the assenting state, the image processing functions described herein can utilize additional detection regions or alternative detection regions to determine that the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100  is in the assenting state. It is furthermore noted that the image processing functions can utilize alternative analyses to determine the state of the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100  such as, but not limited to, edge detection, corner detection, blob detection, or any other image processing function suitable for detecting the position of the target body  104  relative to the field of view  92  of the vision system  90 . 
     Upon determining that the complimentary die assembly  62  is open and that the target body  104  of the part detection fixture  100  is in the assenting state, the manufacturing functions can automatically cause actuation of the second press station  60 . Specifically, when the image data of the target body  104  is indicative of the assenting state, the complimentary die assembly  62  can be urged closed to form the workpiece  86 . Accordingly, the ram die  74  and the ram member  64  can have a relatively small offset from the bolster die  72  and the bolster member  68 . The relatively small offset can be small enough to impart the desired shape to the workpiece  86  with the complimentary die assembly  62 . After the second press station  60  has completed the forming process, the manufacturing functions can automatically open the complimentary die assembly  62  and remove the workpiece  86  from the second press station  60 . For example, the feed assembly  12  can remove the workpiece  86  and convey the workpiece along the feed direction  22  for further processing or for delivery. Next, the workpiece  82  can be formed in the second press station  60  as is described above with respect to the workpiece  86 . Moreover, the manufacturing functions and the image processing functions can be automated and repeated periodically, as is described above with respect to the workpiece  86 , to form a relatively large volume of parts. 
     As is noted above, the system  10  can comprise one or more of the part detection fixtures  100 ,  200 ,  300  located within the field of view  92  of the vision system  90 . For the sake of clarity, and not by way of limitation, a description of the system  10  is provided above with respect to the part detection fixture  100  alone. However, it is noted that the system  10  can utilize the part detection fixture  100 , the part detection fixture  200 , and the part detection fixture  300  alone or in combination in a manner analogous to the description of the system  10  provided above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     It should now be understood, the embodiments described herein can include systems and methods for controlling a manufacturing process making use of a vision system. For example, the vision system can be configured to capture image data indicative of the position of target bodies of part detection fixtures. The target bodies and the part detection fixtures can be shaped in various ways. Accordingly, the target bodies can be offset from the detected workpiece in a manner that is amenable to the field of view of the vision system, even when the detected workpiece is obscured from or outside of the field of view of the vision system. 
     Furthermore, it is noted that directional references such as, for example, feed direction, press direction, part receiving path, X-axis, X-direction, Y-axis, Y-direction, Z-axis, Z-direction or the like have been provided for clarity and without limitation. Specifically, it is noted such directional references are made with respect to the coordinate system depicted in  FIGS. 1-7 . Thus, the directions may be reversed or oriented in any direction by making corresponding changes to the provided coordinate system with respect to the structure to extend the examples described herein. 
     It is noted that the terms “substantially” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. 
     While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.