FROM INSPECTION TO PROCESS UNDERSTANDING AND MONITORING - A VIEW ON COMPUTER VISION IN MANUFACTURING

We describe some of the current challenges in developing and validatin g computer vision algorithms for manufacturing applications. We focus on the general theme of template-based processing, where geometric tem plates provide a basis for local feature analysis, registration and re cognition (via constraint-based modelling) and model adaptation using statistical methods. We describe recent successful applications of tem plate-based techniques in the areas of manufacturing part inspection a nd process understanding and monitoring. We also examine the question 'Why are there so few computer vision applications in manufacturing?' We suggest that two of the major bottlenecks remain speed of algorithm development and how to validate algorithm performance with a limited data set. Finally, we identify some of what we see as emerging and fut ure potential application areas of computer vision methods in manufact uring, where the current trend is to provide tools for continuous prod uct improvement rather than (final) product inspection, and 3D measure ment capabilities.