Vision base Tool Monitoring System for a Reconfigure Micro Factory System

During the past decade, new sensing technologies, such as are optical measurement, image processing (edge detection, pattern matching, x-ray image processing), acceleration sensor, vibration sensor, inductive loops, laser range scanners, computer vision sensors have been greatly enhanced and applied to the Intelligent in Automatic Tool Wear Monitoring System (ATWMS) area. On-line tool monitoring system may realize substantial cost saving through image processing. Currently, tool wear monitoring performed by vibration, inductive and debris sensors. Oil debris sensor is a popular measurement device used to collect oil condition data. This sensor generates an output signature with the passage of a metallic particle through the oil return lines. However, the signal measured through the oil debris sensor is severely tainted by various noises, e.g., the background noise present as well as the interferences caused by the vibrations of the structure where the sensor is mounted. These interferences affect the performance of the health assessment unit considerably. As such this paper focuses on the tool condition monitoring direct by metal chips using image processing technology.