An autonomous low-cost infrared system for the on-line monitoring of manufacturing processes using novelty detection

This paper describes the implementation of a process monitoring system using a low-cost autonomous infrared imager combined with a novelty detection algorithm. The infrared imager is used to monitor the health of several manufacturing processes namely: drilling, grinding, welding and soldering. The main aim is to evaluate the use of low-cost infrared sensor technology combined with novelty detection to distinguish between normal and faulty conditions of manufacturing processes. The ultimate aim is to improve the reliability of the manufacturing operations so as to ensure high part quality and reduce inspection costs. The paper describes several case studies, which have shown that the new low-cost technology could provide an inexpensive and autonomous methodology for monitoring manufacturing processes. Novelty detection is used to compare normal and faulty conditions in order to provide an automated system for fault detection.