Abstract

This invention pertains to fabricating composite personal care article products on a fabrication line, and sensing assembly quality characteristics of such personal care article products so fabricated, using infrared image sensing apparatus, and signal processing apparatus for processing the infrared energy so sensed, to fabricate visual displays of the composite images sensed by the infrared sensing apparatus. By using infrared imagery, and sensing the various temperatures of elements being placed and worked on the fabrication line, elements of the personal care articles which are hidden from visual observation can be sensed by sensing the infrared radiation emitted from such articles. Elements which are available for visual observation can likewise be sensed where temperature of such elements is suitable for detection, by infrared-sensitive receptors. Typically, a suitable infrared signature can be obtained without adding, to the elements whose quality is being assessed, any increment of heat for purposes of enhancing detection of such element or elements.

Other References

• Tivin, Paul, and Thomas C. Venable, "Infrared imaging enhances manufacturing operations." Laser Focus World, Aug./Sep. 1992, pp. 107-111
• Mitsubishi, "The High & The Mighty." Product Literature, (1 sheet) 1993
• Guericke W., et al. "Rolling operation control circuit--processes the infrared camera signals fed during a rolling operation." Abstract 1997
• Cincinnati Electronics Corporation, "Infrared Focal Plane Array Camera." Product Literature, (4 sheets) date unknown
• Flir Systems, "Before We Can Tell You What's Wrong, We'll Have to Take Your Temperature." Product Literature, (1 sheet) date unknown
• Information Processing, "CVIM Configurable Vision Imput Module." Product Literature, (2 sheets) product available from COGNEX, date unknow