DE1935581A1 - Data processing system - Google Patents

Description

FRNST RIEBENSAMM

RffCHTSANW ALT RUHE ¹

BOX 8343

-1050-

Data processing system

The invention relates to data processing systems for use in machine production and is described in connection with a cigarette maker, but this is only done by way of example, since the invention applies equally to machines for
Manufacture of other products is applicable.

The manufacture of cigarettes, however, constitutes an excellent example of a use of the invention. Modern cigarette-making machines work at speeds of over 2,000 cigarettes / minute, and when planning the system for processing data from testing individual cigarettes, considerable processing capacity is required; for example, if there are six exams, everyone falls
single cigarette, which is produced by fifty such Ma-8chiD6a, over 600,000 results per

90988S / US2

Minute on. If jeaes result in the form of a is shown as a two-digit number, then 20,000 digits per second must be processed and for this is an electronic data processing system required with a data stream of this Order of magnitude is finished.

According to the invention is a data processing system created for use with several production machines, each of which contains at least one testing device or each of which is assigned one, whereby the system contains a main transmitting and receiving unit, Furthermore, several dependent transmitting and receiving units and several electrical conductors that share a common, all units form cables connecting each other, each dependent unit being connectable to one of the production machines and from the testing device of this Machine or the test equipment of this machine originating data in digital form for transmission the cable translates, with the main unit connected to a DateDververarbeitungmaschine is connectable and one after the other via the cable to each of the dependent ■ units create a text binding and each of the dependent units can transmit control signals to the latter cause »to transmit translated data to the data processing machine for processing.

90 988 5/14 52 bad original

3. 1935 ff

When applying dex invention to string cigarette machines and their additional equipment can be used by any cigarette manufacturer have several test facilities. Typically, devices can be provided for Checking cigarettes for satisfactory filling, for correct tobacco distribution along their length, for that Presence of premd bodies (e.g. metal particles) on holes in their paper wrapping and on proper sealing at the "overlap" or seam where the paper edges are glued together so as to overlap are. The data from the test equipment may contain actual measurements, such as weights individual cigarettes, but preferably contain bad information about the presence or absence of a cigarette of the various possible errors.

In a preferred arrangement, when the master transmitting and receiving unit connects to any particular slave associated with one of the cigarette making machines, the slave transmits to the master a group of digital signals representing the results of the various State the number of tests performed since this slave unit last transmitted data to the master unit, namely the number of cigarettes made by the cigarette making machine and the number of cigarettes that failed each test performed passed

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BATH ORIGINAL

The invention also includes equipment for quality control purposes, i.e. to obtain more accurate data from control groups of cigarettes produced by each production (For example, cigarette manufacturing) machine are manufactured, with information from these data about any developments to worse jellyfish- ' did of the products (e.g. cigarettes) and / or to a higher grazing rate

Equipment specified /

can. Such a " I. " can contain measuring devices to which control groups of products from all machines are conveyed, and it preferably allows the data obtained from each group to be assigned to the machine from which this group originates.

According to a further feature of the invention, therefore, includes a system for use with multiple machines, for example Cigarette manufacturing machines, a control group removal device assigned to each of the machines for the random removal of individual products, for example cigarettes,., from the ejection of the machine and depositing these patterns in a container such as a tray. Any control group collection facility can Have means for marking each container for the purpose of indicating the machine from which the control group originates in the container. The container expediently carries one or more magnetizable marking members and before the container leaves the cigarette making machine,

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«Γ 19355Ö1

a coded pattern of magnetization is output to this member or all of these members, which is an identifier the machine (and possibly other data such as the time of the group removal and / or a serial number for the group). A reading unit is assigned to the measuring equipment and encoded it The magnetization pattern on the marking member of each container is scanned and corresponding signals are sent to the Main unit (and from there to the data processing machine) in connection with the data of the boiler results, those from the corresponding control group

Equipment /
have been determined by /.

Such measuring equipment that collects a significant amount of quantitative data from every cigarette they take handles, derives, becomes a larger volume of data produce as the total amount obtained from all dependent entities. It is therefore useful The system is set up in such a way that, after each connection sequence with the dependent units, there is a pause before the next such episode occurs, this pause

rt istung / is used to transmit data from / to the main unit and the data processing machine.

The foregoing description highlights certain features of the invention which are presently important, but are not intended to be within the scope of the invention

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1935-δΤτ

limited thereto, but extends the invention every new feature or every new combination of features disclosed here, in particular, if not exclusive, in the following Description of an embodiment of the invention based on the drawing, which is a block diagram oaer a Flow diagram of a cigarette manufacturing plant represents associated system according to the invention.

The system shown schematically belongs to several cigarette manufacturing machines, six of which, M1 to M6, are shown. The machines are equipped with test units 11 to T6, each of which contains several test devices not shown in detail. Each of the test units T1 to T6 is in turn equipped with a dependent Sipfangs-unit STR1 to STR6 and these units form elements of a connection system that connects all units T1 to T6 with a computer C. The system also contains a main transceiver unit MTR and a common multi-conductor cable CB which connects the main unit MTR with all the dependent units STR1 to STR6.

Each machine M1 to M6 is also provided with a ZontrollgruppeD removal unit SU1 to SÜ6, which has ^; a control group conveyor SC is connected to a central measuring equipment CME. The control group

BATH ORIGINAL

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Withdrawal unit of each machine is also connected to the dependent transceiver unit of this machine. The equipment CME is directly connected to the unit MTR via a data link DL.

Each control group extraction unit SU1 to SU6 extracts from the output of its associated cigarette manufacturing machine randomly individual cigarettes and places them in a container for transport over the conveyor SC to the central measuring equipment CME. These containers (not shown) can have any desired shape, advantageously there are trays, each of which can hold 200 cigarettes. So that the measurement results received from the central measuring equipment have been determined to be related to the individual cigarette manufacturing machines as soon as each of the containers reaches the equipment, it must be known from which machine he comes. This can be achieved by moving the containers from the machines onto the control group conveyor SC is controlled to arrive at the equipment in a known order; however it will prefers to mark each individual container as soon as it is filled with the number of the machine from which its content originates. This is expediently done by means of the control group removal unit SU1 to SU6 Magnetizing part of the container in a pattern achieved that is a digital rendering of the the machine

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identifying number is. Alignment metal container Material (e.g. synthetic plastic) can be made with a plate-magnetizable material be provided.

The central measuring equipment is provided with a scanning device for reading the magnetized pattern on each incoming container provided and can thus obtained Data together with the information in this container Measurement results relating to cigarettes brought to the MTR unit and further to the computer C to transfer.

Daa Kabel CB contains two connections to the main unit MTR, a direct connection and a connection via an analog-to-digital converter ADC.

The unit MTR also has a further data connection DC, which is used to transmit data to the

Computer enables the other machines assigned by the cigarette manufacturing machines, for example

sc wise packaging machines, and from an advance

Establish how tobacco cutters come from.

The details of the system are expediently under Explains how it works. The main and the dependent transceiver units MTR, STR

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work cyclically, consecutively. Any dependent Unit has an identifying code number or "address" that is common to machines M1 through M6, respectively 001 to 006 may be. When a work sequence begins, the main unit MTR sends a standard signal to the cable CB "done" (for example by applying a voltage surge to all conductors of the cable at the same time is), which is followed by a time-limited sequence of digital signals representing the address 001. The coding used for such digital signals is not essential. Preferably a binary-decimal designation used, decimal digits are continuously transmitted and each decimal Digit is represented in binary form, and where the binary "bits" of each digit are simultaneously on different ones Ladders, i.e. transmitted in parallel.

All dependent units STR1 to STR6 speak the "done" signal and then observe the following digital signals. Since these signals represent 001, i.e. the address of the dependent unit STR1, the dependent units STR2 to STR6 return to the Termination of the digital signals in a "ready" · state (by responding to nothing but a "done" signal speak to); only the dependent unit STR1 recognizes its own address and addresses itself by itself put into a state of readiness second

909885 / U52

Stage are designated ζάντα in that it continues to scan the incoming digital signals on the cable GB and respond to them. The master unit MTR next transmits a further sequence of digital signals which represent an encrypted command to the slave unit S2R1; this takes note of a command and executes it, for example by transmitting signals on its part.

It should be noted that the system verifies that the connection to the desired one of the dependent units has been established. This is achieved by an arrangement in which each dependent unit transmits a sequence of digital signals representing its own address on the common cable a certain time after the completion of the digital signals representing its own address (as soon as it has reached the state of second level readiness) on the common cable represents own address. The main unit MTR receives this signal sequence and compares it with the address previously transmitted by itself. If both addresses match, the unit KTR continues to transmit the further sequence of signals, ie the command. If, however, the comparison shows that the two addresses do not match, the main unit MTR does not transmit the command, but instead transmits a "reset" signal which the dependent unit (s) that are not in the state "Readiness ¹¹ are located in

BAD ORfGINAL

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causes this state to return. Asl then begins the unit MTR repeats the sequence, i.e. by transmitting the "done" signal. (Ss can precaution be taken to generate a notification if, after a predetermined number of transmissions of the address of one of the dependent units, it is not a correct one Response has been received.

Once a correct answer has been received, it will the command is transmitted as an exchange between the master unit MTR and the selected slave unit STR1 continues. In general, the Command the dependent unit to transmit the data received from the test equipment in test unit T1, until this possibility of a transmission to the unit KTR and on to the computer G have been saved. The dependent unit STRI can on a single command all the data it needs for the transmission, i.e. all data that has been received by the test equipment of the unit T1 since the last Data transmission have been generated, transmit. However, the dependent unit STR1 is preferably individual Transfer parts of data in response to various commands.

Whichever type of actuation is used as soon as the Main unit MTR has received all required data, it transmits the already mentioned signal "reset",

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BATH ORIGINAL

followed by the "done" signal and the address of the next dependent unit, where 002 is normally the address of the unit STR2. Upon receipt of a correct answer from this unit, one or more commands are sent to the unit STR2 in order to cause the latter to send out the stored data originating from the test unit T2.

In general, the data is stored in digital form and transmitted. However, it is also precautionary for data taken by one or more of the test facilities of each test unit in analog form attack. An example of this is the exit of a beta radiation test facility. Such a facility, As used in a straight cigarette machine, it contains a beta radiation source (useful a small amount of a radioactive isotope) placed on one side of the path of the cigarette rod t, as well as a detector unit on the other side of the way. The detector device thus receives from the source that of a variable displacement is subject to that produced by the tobacco in the strand will. Usually such a device includes a second detector unit from the same source Radiation, but through some sort of fixed damping resistor, receives and the output of the device is made from a tension that results from the comparison of the pronounced values of the two detector units is derived} one

909885 / U52

such tension reflects the tobacco mass that is in the path of the radiation at that moment the first detector. Such beta-ray testing facilities have been used to control the operation of cigarette making machines for a number of years.

The main unit MTR can be caused at any time to establish a connection with one of the dependent units, assume the unit STR1, and to transmit a command to this dependent unit, which causes an analog output voltage from a beta-ray testing device, that of the associated Cigarette-making machine M1 is assigned, is placed on a pair of conductors of the cable CB that is not used for the transmission of digital signals . These conductors form an analog connection AL, shown in broken lines, to the analog-digital converter ADC, which generates a corresponding output in digital form, which is fed to the main unit MTR via a conversion data connection CDL . Since the connection AL contains conductors which are not used for other data, it can be arranged that, as soon as this output has been given up on the connection AL, this state is maintained until the dependent unit concerned receives another command for the To solve the output of their associated beta-ray device vod the connection AL. In the time between these two commands can

909885/1452

the main unit MTR digital data on the remaining The conductors of the cable CB are obtained from any of the dependent units STH1 to STR6.

A preferred mode of operation is as follows ab: A connection is established through the main unit MTR with the dependent unit STR1 and a command sent to the latter to short-circuit the output of their associated beta-ray device and the latter to connect to the connection AL. Thereupon the unit STR1 is commanded, the originating from the test unit T1 to transmit digital data. While the digital The converter ADC should transfer data from the Connection AL received a Kull input (due to the short circuit at the output of the beta radiation device, which is connected to the connection AL). When any input is received from the converter ADC, this can only be a stray or noise voltage, which represents a possible source of error, and the converter The ADC gives a digital output to the unit MTR and the computer C which reproduces this error measure for storage.

all digital data is transmitted by the unit SIR1 are eliminated upon another command from the main unit MTR the unit STR1 the short circuit at the output of the associated beta-ray device, the latter remaining connected to the connection AL. The implementer ACD starts taking the analog output voltage from the

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Beta-ray device to receive (together with any noise voltage as mentioned before) and gives a corresponding digital output to the unit MTR and to the computer C, where the value of this output is corrected by means of the aforementioned Pehlermasees.

Expediently it should be mentioned here that the conversion in Analog-to-digital converter ADC is performed repeatedly while outputting each individual beta-ray device is received in order to create a series of digital outputs corresponding to the individual cigarettes of corresponds to the cigarette-making machine to which this beta-radiation device is assigned. this will by "chopping up" the analog voltage from the converter ADC at time intervals that cut off individual Correspond to lengths from the cigarette rod from the test of which the tension is derived, being the correct one Synchronization of clipping and chopping is maintained by adding electrical timing pulses that produced by the cigarette rod cutting mechanism, supplied via the connection AL with the analog voltage will. Upon receipt of each such time pulse, the converter sends ACD to the main unit MTR as digital output the integrated value of the analog voltage during the period since the reception of the previous one Time pulse, and the converter then resets itself and starts an integration up again

909885 / U5 2

to receive the following tent impulse. After this the unit STR1 the short circuit as mentioned before has eliminated, the main unit MTR transmits the "reset" signal and then continues with the Connect units STR2 to STR6 in this order and retrieve digital data from them. Once this is done, which is usually about 2 seconds after you start connecting to the first dependent unit that STR1 takes up occurs

w the main unit MTR no longer communicates with the dependent units, but rather transmits (via the connection DL) to the central measuring equipment CME the command to measure the next available cigarette control group. The main unit MTR and the computer C thus receive the results of such measurements together with the identification number of the cigarette-making machine from which this sample originates. The time required for this operation is usually around 58 seconds. The entire sequence of operations described, ie the connection to each of the units STR1 to STR6 in series, followed by the connection to the unit CME, is carried out in one minute. An approximately identical sequence of operations is carried out every subsequent minute so that data is collected from all dependent units and the central measurement equipment, however, with each sequence there is a change in the operations relating to the analog output.

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In the first sequence, as described above, the analog output of the beta-ray device, which is assigned to the dependent unit STR1 (and the machine M1), is fed via the converter ADC. At the beginning of the second sequence, this state persists, but while a connection is being established with the dependent unit STR1 in this second sequence, a command is sent to the unit STR1 which detects the output of the associated beta-ray device from the analog connection AL solves. When the connection with the dependent unit STR2 is established, the output of the beta-ray device assigned to this unit (and the machine M2) is connected to the connection AL, first with a short circuit and then without one (as above for the Unit STR1 has been described in the first episode). During the third sequence, the analog output of the beta-ray device assigned to the dependent unit STR3 (and the machine M3) is connected to the connection AL after the output from the beta-ray device assigned to the unit STR2 has been disconnected, and so on.

So while digital data is received from the test units T1 to T6 and from the central measuring equipment CME at the main unit MTR and the computer C once every minute, the analog output from each of the beta-ray devices is only used by the converter

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ADC (and from there the main unit and the computer) fed once in as many minutes as there are cigarette machines subordinate to the system. However, when inatcer ■■ it sends data to the computer, each beta-ray device can do this continuously for a full minute.

As mentioned, the CME equipment begins to check a new control group each time as a function of a command signal which is sent out by the MIR unit after the data collection has ended from the STR1 to STR6 units. A new sequence of operations can begin after the end of the inspection of a control group by the CME equipment, but preferably at a fixed interval of one minute after the start of the preceding sequence. If the time used to obtain data from the units STR1 to STR6 and from the CME equipment can never total more than 1 minute, then there will be no problem with timing. However, if possible (as in particular with the CMS equipment , which contains a series of measuring devices with mechanical feeds for cigarettes from one device to the next) the total time required must exceed 1 minute, then the MTR unit, if successive work processes are to begin at fixed intervals of ¹ minute 1, simultaneously data via the cable CB and the connection Dl without confusion . g Q 9 8 8 5/1 4 5 2

BAD oRIGINAL

_Δ 193513h

The operation of the main unit MTRt is controlled by the computer C. The computer sends control signals to the Main unit MTR, in order to initiate any transmission from the main unit which seeks to establish a connection with one of the dependent entities; also contain such control signals the address of the required dependent unit.

The system described above is used to collect data from the test facilities T1 to T6 and the central measuring equipment Send CME to computer C. This data is used depending on the computer program. The computer C can be connected to any or all of the input / output devices shown schematically be connected, namely with an output printer OP, expediently in the form of an electric typewriter, with a strip read / write unit TRW, with a paper strip reader and a paper strip punch and with a data connection MCL to a main computer. As described above, the computer C receives data from the individual machines M1 to M6 successively once per minute. However, the computer program for the computer can provide that it is in is in some sense ahead of the operation of machines 141 through M6; also, the program can, even preferably, include the ability to predict trends from the data sent to the computer and thus allow future difficulties to be predicted. At-

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for example icaira the central messatiarilstuisg middle I the exact weighing of the cigarettes, every koi) troll flu and the results of this measurement of successive control groups of a given machine allow a statement to be made about any tendency for the average weight to deviate from that correct value and / or the increase in weight distribution within a control group, both would indicate a need for special attention on the machine in mint before the stake overweight or underweight cigarettes produced by this machine becomes objectionable.

Appropriately, the program of the computer G can Fulfill a double function. The computer will keep the summarize the data transmitted to him - for example the total numbers of each of the machines M1 collect cigarettes manufactured up to M6, along with the number of cigarettes that for some reason have been rejected and this collected data is presented as regular (e.g. daily) statistics. Any selected parts of the data can also be used by the main computer and / or the strip reader / Write unit TRW as desired. Selected parts of the collected data can also be fed to the output printer OP at suitable intervals to support the machine monitoring. The computer C also calculates development trends in advance, both from the measurements taken in the central

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central measuring equipment CME has been carried out, as well as from the data from the test units T1 to Töjdie a rate of actual rejection of Quit cigarettes for any reason. Whenever either the actual scrap rate or a precalculated development tendency is the necessity a check is via the output printer prints a warning while at a higher scrap rate or a more worrying one Development trend An alarm display is printed out via the output printer. Warning devices such as lamps and / or bells can draw attention to the printer operating room when any of these situations occur entry.

It goes without saying that a system like the one described is capable of monitoring both each? Testing devices assigned to the Zlgaretten manufacturing machine as well as monitoring of the machine itself are permitted. The central measuring equipment CME can expediently measure all properties of a cigarette that are tested by the test devices in units T1 to T6 and when the results of such measurements are received on a control group received from one of the machines M1 to M6. have been received by the main unit MTR and forwarded to the computer C, these EygebDisee bits can de »data regarding, eier Agfesitsweise & ®z

■ '- ■ "■."' § #! 8§S # 14§I. ■■ '. ■

3t

This machine can be compared to the already from the corresponding dependent sin unit STR1 (up to STR6) are received. If this comparison is any Discrepancy between the functioning of the test equipment and the results of the measurement in of the equipment ^ CK3, then you can turn over the Output printer prints out a warning or alarm display will.

BATH ORIGINAL

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Claims (10)

& RNST RiEOENSAH ^! 7Θ KARUSRUMS "3 - ,, .-. Pn p r ^ ^ <-. POSTi = ASfI SS4Ö * Ϊ? J Ö ^ pK claims 1. Data processing system for use with multiple production machines. each of which has at least one inspection body contains or each of which is assigned one, identified by a main transmission and Receiving unit, several dependent transmitting and receiving units and several electrical conductors that share a common, all units form interconnecting cables, each of the dependent units with one of the Production machines can be connected and from the test device or the test devices of this machine originating data in digital form for transmission the cable translator can, and wherein the main unit is connectable to a data processing machine and Connect through the cable to the dependent units and each dependent unit in turn Send control signals and thus cause the unit to process translated data to transmit the data processing machinery. 2. Data processing system according to claim 1, characterized by measuring equipment and by means for conveying VoD control group of products from each of the manufacturing machines to the boiler equipment. 909885 / US 2nd 1935681 3. Data processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that each production machine is assigned a control group pick-up device which can arbitrarily remove individual products from the output of the machine and dispense them into a container, and that the conveying means can convey the container to the boiler equipment. 4. Data processing system according to claim 3> ψ characterized in that the control groups extracting means includes means KUTT marking each container, for the purpose of identification of the machine, from which the control group in the container originates. 5. Data processing system according to claim 4-, characterized characterized in that the ICarking means means for Applying a coded magnetization pattern to one or more magnetizable marking elements . each container included and that the measuring equipment contains a reading unit which scans this pattern and outputs corresponding signals to the main unit. 6. Data processing system according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by a data connection between the Measuring equipment and the main unit. 7 ·. Data processing system according to Claim 6, characterized in that that the main unit has an interval between each sequence with the dependent 909885/1452 BAD ORfGlNAL 1935 ^ 1 Units and the next such sequence can create and receive signals from the measurement equipment be transmitted during such an interval. 8. Data processing system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by an analog-to-digital converter and in that the common cable has two connections with the main unit, one direct and one via the analog-to-digital converter. 9. Data processing system according to claim 8, characterized in that that the common cable contains conductors that provide an analog connection for the transmission of Form analog voltages, where; each of the dependent Units of analog voltages via the analog connection to the analog-digital converter and further via the remaining units conductor of the cable to the main unit during the transmissions of converted (digital) data can transmit 10. Data processing system according to claim 9 »thereby the transmission of / indicates that each dependent unit / recognizes analog voltages via the analog connection as a function of corresponding command signals from the main unit . Leerse.ire