Real‐time architecture for advanced quality monitoring in manufacturing

Explains that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence techniques, especially neural networks and knowledge‐based systems, have paved the way for the development of an intelligent and real‐time manufacturing information system. By efficiently utilizing the specific domain representation in a production cell, an intelligent system can manage the complex issues concerning the structure and character of the product, goals of the manufacturing unit and provide production guidance accordingly. Addresses issues in manufacturing intelligence through two case studies that demonstrate the feasibility of a real‐time quality control in changing environmental conditions. The quality and the factor of acceptability are determined by the intelligent agent. These intelligent agents involve the use of an artificial neural network system and, in some cases, a knowledge‐based system to control and operate, in real‐time, the functions of an inspection process in manufacturing. Addresses the design issues of interest, especially setting up global routines which can be used in a common platform to control a machine tool, interpret the sensor inputs, monitor the quality of products, and take corrective actions on a real‐time basis.