EP3234558A2

EP3234558A2 - Method and system for acquiring and making available geomatics, colorimetric and petrographic certification data of stone blocks to the aim of selection thereof

Info

Publication number: EP3234558A2
Application number: EP15837140.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Claudio Gariglio
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Angelino Maurizio
Priority date: 2014-12-16
Filing date: 2015-12-16
Publication date: 2017-10-25
Also published as: WO2016098018A3; WO2016098018A2

Abstract

A method for acquiring and making available geomatics, colorimetric and petrographic certification data with the aim of selecting stone blocks present in an extraction station or in point of distribution chain, comprises the steps of providing, by means of geomatics acquisition techniques, complete tridimensional color representations of the shape of the blocks, with relative possible irregularities, and acquire, by means of photographic colorimetric techniques, the faithful colorimetric features of the blocks. The respective complete tridimensional representation and the respective faithful colorimetric features are thus associated to each block to configure a digital identification and certification card of the block, made available for local and/or remote post-processing. A system for translating and rotating the blocks is provided the implementation of the method.

Description

"Method and system for acquiring and making available geomatics, colorimetric and petrographic certification data of stone blocks to the aim of selection thereof

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Field of the invention

The present invention generally refers to the industry of sales of blocks made of stone material such marble, granite and the like.

State of the art

Conventionally, the purchase of blocks made of stone material requires that the purchasers directly inspect and assess the shape and characteristics of the blocks at the extraction quarry or other points of the distribution chain.

The personal visit before purchasing currently represents the normal and universally accepted work procedure, due to which the purchasers have to organise an intercontinental trip so as to finalise the purchase contract. If not personally, the purchase has to delegate the task to a trusted inspector who however decides on subjective bases not supported by any kind of structured certification in that the photography and descriptive methods currently used for blocks are inherently insufficient to provide all the critical information that may allow the purchaser to perfect a conscious purchase without direct inspection.

Typically the blocks made of stone material in the market are generally parallelepiped shaped or parallelepiped-like shaped with dimensions usually comprised for example between 200X100X100 cm and 350X220X200 cm and weight in the range between 6 and 30 tons/block (a 2800 Kg/cm average specific weight).

The blocks are sold by producers or retailers in open spaces or dedicated sheds, at amounts ranging from a few tens of pieces up to thousands of pieces. The sales area is usually equipped with an overhead crane manoeuvred by an operator who also moves the block harnessed to the overhead crane by means of steel ropes.

The blocks are averagely arranged in rows on one or two superimposed vertical levels, with minimal space between the adjacent blocks typically comprised between 30 and 40 cm, and at times limited to a few cm. Thus, the purchasers cannot fully examine the blocks if the latter are not moved from the storage position and separated from the rest. Due to the weight and inertia of the blocks, the movement thereof is inherently burdensome, difficult, slow and hinders the normal production flow. In addition, the block movement operations are potentially dangerous for the operator, the purchaser as well as the wholeness of the material, given that the seller is often reluctant to execute movements aimed at fully examining the material.

In addition, the need to directly examine each one of the faces of the block subjected to examination would be technically indispensible and essential for the purchaser in that the stone blocks are extremely variable in nature, size, colour and wholeness, as a matter of fact, a block could reveal even major defects possibly right on that face or those faces fully or even partly not accessible, and thus not correctly examinable or even not examinable at all unless by moving and lifting the block in question.

Due to the reasons outlined above, the standard procedure often allows minimal operations, i.e. limited to partial and thus incomplete assessment of the faces of the block, thus leaving open a considerable risk of uncertainty which is also counterproductive with respect to the commercial transaction: the purchaser perceives a substantial insecurity as regards the incomplete examination of the block subject of purchase, thus leading to exasperating the price negotiation so as to be able to have sufficient margin against possible and often probable surprises.

Besides the approximation and substantial technically objective and generalised impossibility to correctly define the blocks before sales there is also observed the lack of a homogeneous criterion when it comes to defining the quality of the material, thus further complicating the negotiation between the seller and purchaser.

Besides the difficulties related to accessibility and complete visibility of the blocks, when directly inspecting the blocks there also arises the difficulty of correctly observing the chromatic features thereof: colour and the relative shades represent a major factor for the economic evaluation of the material. The extremely variable light conditions, whether natural or artificial, may positively or negatively affect the direct visual evaluation of these features, which - as mentioned - represent an essential part of the assessment process.

Another problem is related to the fact that the geometry irregularities of the blocks are extremely frequent and heavily affect the performance of the material given that the blocks shall be subjected to cutting into sheets. Even in this case, the geometry of the visually analysed block does not allow performing a quick and accurate evaluation of the possible performance, this constituting a further element of uncertainty.

Other important drawbacks derive from the costs required for the inspection of the blocks by some of the purchasers in loco, as well as the time available for the persons involved in the transaction and also possible poor weather conditions.

Lastly, there is a problem related to shipping the blocks from the seller to the purchaser: the blocks are typically transported on truck decks and possibly by sea in containers. Any movement could potentially cause damage and loss of value of the block. Thus, the shipment step reveals the problem related to lack of sure references on the initial state of wholeness of the material, thus making attributing the responsibility regarding possible damages observed by the purchaser upon the arrival of the blocks rather challenging, with the risk of possible disputes.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an efficient solution to all problems listed above, according to the objective criteria of defining the specific characters of the blocks, which can be examined without direct inspection thereof.

According to a first aspect of the invention, this object is attained through a method for acquiring and making geometries, colorimetric and petrographic certification data available with the aim of selecting stone blocks having a generally parallelepiped shape or parallelepiped-like shape present at an extraction site or at any point of the distribution chain, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

- providing complete tridimensional colour representations of the shape of the blocks, along with any related irregularities, by means of geomatics acquisition techniques,

- acquiring, by means of photographic colorimetric techniques, faithful colorimetric features of the blocks,

- associating the respective complete tridimensional representation and the respective faithful colorimetric features to each block, and configuring a digital identification and certification card of the block,

- making the digital cards of the blocks available for local and/or remote consultation thereof.

The method according to the invention may further comprise the steps of filling a data base related to cataloguing specific petrographic characters and possible defects of said stone blocks, and also associating the respective petrographic characters and possible defects present in said data base to each block when configuring said digital card.

Both the geomatics acquisition step and the step for acquiring the colorimetric features of the blocks are actuated, as observable hereinafter, with the aid of specific adjustments and particular solutions. In particular, as regards the geometics acquisition, it is provided for that the block be turned over, and regarding the acquisition of the colorimetric features there is provided for the use of special colorimetrically calibrated targets.

According to another particular characteristic, the method according to the invention is also characterized in that through the complete tridimensional representation of each block, a virtual test of the block, which allows an in-depth analysis of the defects possibly present in the block and also the determination of the productivity percentage factor of the block with respect to cutting thereof into sheets, as well as the final dimensions of the sheets obtainable from the block, is also made available.

The invention also regards a system for implementing the method, essentially characterised in that it comprises a detection station, for example provided at the sales site and/or any point of the distribution chain, including a device for translating and rotating/turning over blocks for the orientation thereof in the space, and a photography station preferably organised in a darkroom.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be described in detail, purely by way of non- limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

- figure 1 shows a tridimensional representation of a stone block obtained with the method according to the invention,

- figure 2 is a plan schematic view showing an example of the detection station for the implementation of the method according to the invention,

- figures 3 A - 3G are block diagrams exemplifying the steps of the method according to the invention,

- figure 4 exemplifies the configuration of the colorimetric targets that can be used in the method according to the invention,

-figures 5 to 7 show examples of display for "post-processing" the tridimensional images of a block, acquired through the method according to the invention, - figure 8 represents, according to a perspective view, an embodiment of the system for the orientation of the stone blocks that can be used in the method according to the invention in the space,

- figures 9A-9B represent the system of figure 8 in a different operating condition, respectively according to a perspective view and lateral view of the device, and

- figures 10A-10H represent the system of figure 8 in different operating steps.

Detailed description of the invention:

In brief, the method and system according to the invention allow acquiring and making geomatics, colorimetric and petrographic certification data of the stone blocks available with the aim of the selection thereof for example from a distance by the potential purchasers of the blocks.

The invention is based on objective criteria for defining the characters of the blocks, by using advanced technology also specifically adapted through particular solutions. This allows the remote interaction between purchasers and sellers of the blocks without requiring direct inspection at the extraction site or any other point of the blocks distribution chain. The certainty of correspondence between the actual block and the relative data made available in electronic format is guaranteed by the rigorous procedure of acquisition of such data, which occurs in the following main steps:

- geomatics aspects: detailed documentation of the tridimensional dynamic representation of the shape of the object through a study based on sophisticated geomatics acquisition technologies, which also takes into account the state of wholeness through the detection of the cracking network of the block. The obtainable result is the projection of the possible production of sheets with the determination of the K% shape factor, which indicates how similar the actual block is with respect to the perfect standard parallelepiped, showing the production yield loss due to the detected irregularities;

- colorimetric aspects: they are based on a rigorous detection method referring to comparison aimed at the standard colorimetric classification predefined and adapted to the shade of the natural stone. Such aspects allow a detecting the minimum chromatic variation in an absolutely natural and accurate fashion, with precision and systematicity incomparable to the naked eye, which is subjected to distortion aspects related to the psychometric science and the extremely diversified and non-homogeneous light and scenery conditions surrounding the object;

- geological aspects: petrographic features of the materials are defined through the detailed definition of the current commercial classifications, so as to create a reference standard for every product variety and sub-variety and allow referring the individual and unique features of each block to a stable and common reference scenario.

Though not strictly necessary, the geological aspect represents a useful supporting factor for the other two aspects for an identification of the blocks that is complete and closest possible to reality. As concerns this aspect, the invention provides for filling a data base related to cataloguing specific petrographic characters and possible defects of the stone blocks present at the extraction site (or any point of the distribution chain), and associating the respective petrographic characters and possible defects present in said data base to each block. Such characters, alongside geomatics and colorimetric characters detected in compliance with the description below, are used for configuring a digital card for identifying and certifying each block. Thus, these cards are made available for local and/or remote consultation, for example by accessing a website or through an application on a device of the touch screen type connected to internet.

Figure 1 shows an example of a complete tridimensional representation of the shape of a block B, generally parallelepiped-shaped or parallelepiped-like shaped with the relative irregularities and relative faithful colorimetric features, obtainable through the invention supplementing the aforementioned digital card.

As concerns the detection of the geomatics and colorimetric features of the blocks, there is provided a detection station 1 , schematically illustrated in a plan view in figure 2, consisting in an exhibition laying site for example provided at the sales and/or extraction site.

After the normal blocks acceptance process (comprising washing, milling, weighing and marking the blocks arriving from the quarries) each block B is processed in the detection station 1 and electronically associated to a technical quality certificate, generated in the station or fully or partly produced in a remote server suitably connected through the internet. Such certificate shall accompany the associated block over the entire life cycle thereof up to the end client, and thanks to it the process of selling the block, through local or remote consultation of digital cards representing each block, may even be conducted through simple search keywords. Thus, this allows attaining considerable advantages both for the purchaser, who may easily and comfortably select and purchase the blocks of interest without having to be subjected to costly and uncomfortable access to the sales site as well as for the seller who may propose the blocks thereof to numerous potential purchasers moving them only once, under controlled and planned conditions, to acquire the data thereof without being exposed to the risks, costs and discomfort due to the presence of unknown people (purchasers as well as brokers) in the production centres and around the blocks subject of movement if not even literally climbing with unsteady ladders and walking several metres above the ground, often skipping from one block to another, even on wet surfaces.

Now, with reference to the detail of figure 2, the detection station is volumetrically enveloped and darkened so as to create an environment substantially free of light and climatic interferences with the surrounding environment,

and it is preferably dark grey or black. Besides a system 5 for wetting the block B by spraying water, it comprises a translation device schematised with 2, a turning-over device schematised with 3 and stations 4 for photographing the block B introduced into the detection station 1 one at a time. The turning-over device 3, usually positioned outside the station 1 in coordinated cooperation with the translation device 2, is configured to rotate the block B by 90° around a horizontal longitudinal axis. A particular embodiment of the turning-over device combined with the translation device shall be described in detail hereinafter with reference to figures 8-10.

The station 1 , further comprises a unit 6 for coordinating and controlling the various equipment provided for guiding an operator during a predetermined and programmable sequence, comprising:

- managing the entry/exit of the block B from the photography scene,

- rotation of the block according to preset angles,

- optimized alignment of the block surface B with the aid of distance laser detectors,

- positioning at a predetermined distance from the camera 4 for the photographic acquisition of the face of the block to be photographed,

- performing colorimetric photographic shots according to preset parameters,

- identification of the reference colorimetric targets and controlling brightness,

- processing the light plane as a function of the different brightness observed on brightness check notches,

- colorimetry processing as a function of the reading of the colorimetric targets,

- performing a series of geomatics photographic shots according to predetermined parameters according to camera angles such to cover the view of every face of the block B,

- contouring the edge of the block of each obtained image,

- mounting the geomatics photographs and creating the tridimensional geomatics model,

- cleaning possible imperfections from the geomatics model,

- application of the faithful colorimetric features on the geomatics model and/or association of colorimetric two-dimensional views to the model.

An example of colorimetric targets, consisting in samples of suitable reference colours, typically usable during the execution of the colorimetric photographic shots of the block faces B, is indicated with 7 in figure 4.

The block diagrams of Figures 3A-3G, with the relative description wordings, exemplify the subsequent geomatics and colorimetric acquisition steps of the method according to the invention.

In addition, the geomatics acquisition allows providing the computer card configured for each block B with a tridimensional display of the cutting thereof into sheets, with possible determination of the final dimensions of the sheets. A display of the semi-planes or the like intersected with the sheets and adapted to simulate breakages or fractures of the block, alongside a determination of the K production percentage factor of the block B with respect to the cutting thereof into sheets, may also be made available.

figures 5 to 7 show examples for "post-processing" the tridimensional images of a block, acquired through the method according to the invention, which can be remote actuated both by the block tester and by the potential purchaser having a suitable software for treating and processing the images.

The "post-processing" may include various steps, starting from the tridimensional display of the block (Figure 5), including the classification thereof in terms of type of material and listing possible surface defects such as spots and structural defects such as cracks, fractures, holes, breakages of the edges etc. Each defect is catalogued, geo-localised, highlighted and if necessary enlarged on video for an in-depth analysis thereof: figure 4 shows the example of a crack emerging on the surface and also displayed in the depth-wise extension thereof into the block, as well as "spline-like", in the manner represented in figure 5, in which the emerging crack is highlighted as a line formed by the joining of the characteristic points thereof (ends, edges, concavities, convexities, inflections) on the outer surface of the block.

Any holes, missing parts and other defects that cooperate to the subsequent determination of the whole sheets that may be obtained from the cutting of the block may be analogously highlighted, enlarged and analysed in-depth.

Basically, the "post-processing" of the tridimensional images of the blocks particularly and advantageously allows providing:

A: Geo-localisation of characters and defects:

- identifying solid characters and/or defects on the surface,

- placing them in relation with the database,

- selecting a suitable geometric shape to highlight each character or defect for every character and defect,

- possibility of darkening or making the rest of image of the solid dark and virtually "lighting" the character and/or device subject of observation on the 3D model, with further possibility of a direct in-depth analysis and enlargement of the point in question, during display.

Working on the 3D model requires an extraordinary efficiency of the graphic/virtual information, substantially contributing to reaching unprecedented efficiency and precision levels of the test.

B: Morphological analysis:

- follow the visible fractures and create a 3D virtualisation of the same corresponding with the model,

- simulate the cutting of the block into sheets and obtain the expected geometric shape and the probable intersections with the fractures created previously,

- calculate, for each sheet, a commercially sellable surface defined for current use as the largest rectangle possible that can fall in the perimeter excluding the fractures,

- compare the usable surface with the cut surface (K% factor),

- assemble the usable parts of the cut sheets into a single imaginary 3D object and thus obtain an assembly included in the assembly of the unfinished block which offers an immediate idea of the loss of volume generated by the K% factor.

In detail, the virtual testing of the block may include the following operations:

1) Associating the characters / defects by geo-localising them on the block: the type of "shape" to be used to highlight it is selected upon defining the character / defect to be geo-localised.

2) Creating the virtual crack/s (if present and/or possible in the 3D model) starting from the tridimensional image of the emerging part of the same present on the block, according to this exemplifying and non-limiting example:

- identifying all significant points of the crack, in particular the end points and passage points on the edge of the block

-joining the significant points to form a "spline"

- software reconstruction of an optimised tridimensional surface having the visible part as defined above and a connection line between the end points as perimeter.

3) Creating the virtual hole/s (if present and/or possible in the 3D model) starting from the tridimensional image of the emerging part of the same present on the block, according to this exemplifying and non-limiting example:

- identifying the centre of the hole

- identifying the axis of the hole

- identifying the diameter of the hole

- identifying the depth of the hole

- software reconstruction of a cylinder having the previously established dimensions as the dimensions

- by removing this cylinder from the block (a gap, i.e. a hole in the block, is obtained)

4) Possibility of choosing the direction and pitch for cutting the block (preferably coherent with the subsequent physical operations provided on the block), thus obtaining virtual sections of the block corresponding to the perimeter of the future physical unfinished sheets.

5) Identification and representation of each intersection calculated geometrically between the unfinished sheets and possible cracks and/or holes described previously.

6) Application of the algorithm for calculating the usable surface of the sheets: an algorithm typically - though not necessarily - consists in calculating the maximum rectangle that may fall in the section of the unfinished sheet without intersecting any crack or hole. 7) Defining the algorithm for calculating the usable surface starting from the unfinished area. However, the cracks reduce the calculated usable surface.

8) Creating the commercially sellable virtual volume (which falls in the virtual representation of the unfinished block) created by the volumetric joining of all usable surfaces: upon creating all rectangles representing the sum of sellable part of the sheets, the same may be usefully mutually connected by connecting the vertices thus forming a virtual assembly which is extremely suitable for an immediate visual representation and comprehension of the commercially usable part of the block.

9) Calculating the K Factor (1) which is the ratio between the usable surface, as defined above, of the single sheet and the total unfinished surface thereof in percentage. Calculating the K Factor (2) which is the ratio between the sum of all usable surfaces and the sum of all unfinished surfaces in percentage. Calculating the K Factor (3) which is the ratio between the usable volume of the usable volume of the block, as described above, and the total unfinished volume of the block, in percentage.

10) Creating dimensional statistics of the expected sheets calculated through the method described above, which can be filtered and ordered. For Example: list of all sheets with representation of the total unfinished surfaces, the total usable surfaces, the maximum dimensions length-wise and height-wise, the usable dimensions and the K factor (1). The possibility of calculating the weight of the single sheet knowing the unfinished surface, the thickness and the specific weight of the material.

11) Creating statistics regarding the dimensions of the sum of the sheets: for Example: sum of the unfinished surfaces, sum of the usable surfaces and calculation of the K factor (2).

12) Creating dimensional statistics of the block. For example, as regards the unfinished block: maximum dimensions, length-wise, height-wise and width-wise, calculating volume and weight. As regards the usable block: maximum dimensions, length-wise, height-wise and width-wise, calculating volume, weight and K factor (3).

Definitely, this method extremely advantageously allows performing a technical and commercial evaluation of the blocks, even by the potential purchaser without requiring direct inspection, in an entirely precise and above all objective manner.

Figures 8-10 show the system for translating and turning over the stone blocks usable for implementing the method according to the invention in detail.

In the general configuration thereof, the system comprises (the indicated numbers regard the specific embodiment illustrated in the figures):

- a platform 2 on which the stone block B is supported, which is rotatable around a first axis I, said first axis being vertical or transversal with respect to a horizontal plane;

- a turning-over device 4 configured for lifting the block from the platform and rotating the block around a second axis II which is transversal to the first axis, so as to subsequently arrange the block on the platform according to an orientation such that it lies on the platform with a face different from the one with which it lay with before being raised.

As observable hereinafter, the rotation of the block around the first axis I, obtained through the platform 2, and the rotation of the block around the second axis II, obtained through the turning-over device 4, allow moving the six faces that form the outer surface of the block in front of a given observation point. The platform and the turning-over device of the system are characterised in that they are provided with a relatively simple, resistant and reliable structure, which is capable of handling the considerable weight that characterises the stone blocks of the technical field in question.

The platform 2 is brought by a mobile carriage 21, preferably on tracks, from a station for loading the block on the platform and an operating station to the turning-over device.

The platform 2 is driven in rotation through actuating means (not illustrated) comprising an electric motor and a suitable kinematic chain associated thereto, for example belt transmission means or gear means. The carriage 21 may in turn be actuated through an electric motor or driven by external movement means. Generally, the actuation and movement means in question may however be of any known type, adapted for the indicated purposes, also considering the needs of the specific applications.

The turning-over device 4 comprises two groups 41 for holding the block

B, which are mutually spaced so as to be arranged on the opposite sides of the platform 2, with reference to the position assumed by the latter when the carriage 21 is arranged in the operating position indicated above. Each holding group is carried by a slide 43 which is mobile between a lowered position (figure 8) and a raised position (figures 9 A and 9B) to allow the two groups 41 to pick up the block B from the platform 2. The slide 43 may for example be actuated by a hydraulic cylinder system or by a screw drive system driven by an electric motor.

The two holding groups are configured to laterally engage the block B and drive it in a controlled rotation movement, around the second axis II, for an angular range substantially equivalent to 90°.

The two groups 41 are each constituted by a pair of arms 4 rotatable around the second axis II and provided to be driven in rotation both separately and jointly. In particular, the two arms 4 of each group are mutually mobile between an open condition in which they are arranged on the same substantially horizontal plane to form a 180° angle and a closed condition in which one of the two arms is rotated upwards up to assuming a 90° rotation with respect to the other arm. When the slide 43 moves to reach the raised position, the two arms are held in their open condition and the block B is raised, from the platform 2, by one of the two arms 4 . Once the block B has been picked up from the platform, the other arm 4 rotates by 90° and thus the two arms are in the aforementioned closed condition (figures 9 A and 9B).

In such condition, the two arms engage the two adjacent faces of the block B, parallel to the second axis, and they drive the block B in rotation around such axis for an angular range of about 90°, in the direction tending to rotate the arm 4Γ, which is arranged horizontally, upwards. The two arms 4Γ are both hinged to the slide 43 and they are actuated according to the methods described above through respective fluid cylinders 45. In figures 9 A and 9B an intermediate position of the block B, during the rotary movement induced by the arms 4Γ, is indicated with a dashed line.

Clearly, the movements of the arms of the two holding groups, same case applying to the slides 43 associated thereto, must be identical and simultaneous: such coordination allows a given approximation and thus logical synchronisms (with encoder means) and/or mechanical synchronisms (pins and other mechanical means suitable to bind the movement of the two arms during the block turning over step) are possible.

In addition, it should be observed that the 90° rotation around the second axis imparted to the block B by the two holding groups 41 also determines a lateral displacement of the block, which is approximately equivalent to the transversal dimension thereof. The platform 2 follows such displacement and moves to the position suitable to receive the turned over block once again. Alternatively, the platform 2 may also have an enlarged width which is such to cover the displacement in question, thus it is capable of taking the turned over block once again without having to be moved.

Once again, it shall be observed that having made the two arms 4Γ of each holding group, which can be positioned at 90° or 180°, mutually independent, allows being able to selectively move the block turned over and transported by the carriage 21 in any of the two translation directions (forwards / backwards) while holding the two arms in the mutual condition at 180°. Besides being open at 180°, the arms must also be in a lowered position (lifting hydraulic cylinders).

Extending the downward stroke of the position of the holding arms allows performing the rotation of the block on the axis thereof without necessarily displacing it from the turning over area.

Thus, the operation of the system is made entirely flexible and independent given that the stone block can be variably oriented in the space within the same method and without the aid of classic lifting means such as for example an overhead crane and harnessing with ropes (if not exclusively at the beginning and the end of the process for loading and unloading the block on and from the system).

As mentioned above, the system herein described was obtained with the aim of being used in the method for acquiring and analysing the previously described stone blocks.

Figures 10A-10H illustrate the different steps of a possible operating method of the system that can be advantageously obtained in the acquisition method. In such figures, means adapted to perform the detections on the blocks B, which are indicated with reference number 100, are also illustrated schematically.

Such means are configured to perform the detections thereof solely on the faces of the block that extend transversely with respect to the ground surface.

Starting from figure 10A, the block B to be examined is loaded by means of a overhead crane and harnessing with ropes or any other suitable means such as a fork lift of suitable dimension on the platform 2, placing it on special adjustable support feet (preferably four) in a horizontal position so as to be located in the support area in the lower face of the block with a distance from the outer edge so as to allow the software to distinguish the block from the support means.

which is positioned ready in the loading position of the system and, upon receiving the block, it moves to the operating position at the detection means 100 (figure 10B). As observable in such figures, it is preferable that the turning-over device of the system be installed at the detection means, so as to reduce the displacements by the platform 2 as much as possible during the execution of the method indicated herein.

The platform 2 rotates around the first axis I performing a complete rotation (figure IOC) in a predefined position, at the means 100, and during this rotation the means 100 carry out a first acquisition of parameters regarding a predetermined series of characteristics (geometrical and colour as mentioned above) of the block. At the end of the rotation, the longitudinal axis of the block B, is oriented parallel to the second axis II of the device.

At this point, the turning-over device 4 is actuated to rotate the block B around the second axis II by about 90°. In particular, the arms 4Γ of the two holding groups, are raised and they are simultaneously brought to the closed condition typically forming an about 90° angle (adaptable to the shape of the block) between the arms. Subsequently, the two pairs of arms are jointly rotated by 90°, around the second axis II (figure 10D) thus obtaining the turning over of the block.

The block B is thus returned to the platform 2 (it is possible that the position of the support feet should be varied to adapt them to new area of the support surface corresponding to the turning over of the block) and the latter, upon receiving the block, moves so as to arrange it in the aforementioned predefined position at the detection means 100 once again; once again, the platform performs a 360° rotation around the first axis for the execution of a second acquisition step (figures 10E-10F).

Lastly, the block B is possibly (if it is necessary to maintain the initial orientation for the logistics management outside the photography system) turned over in the opposite direction with respect to the previous turning over carried out and, placed on the platform 2 once again, it is moved back by the latter on the loading station so as to be picked up by the overhead crane or other equivalent lifting means and transported to the storage site (Figures 10G-10H).

The process described above allows orienting the stone block B according to a predefined succession of positions, specifically studied to perform a detection operation with the highest precision and accuracy possible. The first acquisition is carried out on the faces of the block which are arranged vertically in the condition of figure 9C. The 90° turning over of the block then brings the two lower and upper opposite faces, which were "concealed" to the detection means 100 during the first acquisition step, to the vertical orientation. Thus, the second acquisition step involves such faces, and, once the latter terminates, data collection on the entire outer surface of the block is deemed completed.

The system described herein comprises suitable means for controlling various apparatus and devices it is made up of. Preferably, the system is configured to provide for an entirely automatic operation and provides, for such purpose, for a programmable control unit and a series of command and control devices such as sensors, switches etc, which communicate with such unit. Such means may be clearly obtained according to the methods already known in the industrial automation industry.

In addition, it is clear that the system may however be obtained even in the various versions with lower automation level depending on the application requirements.

Obviously, the construction details and the embodiments of the system for implementing the acquisition method may widely vary with respect to what has been described and illustrated, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention as described in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. Method for acquiring and making available geomatics, colorimetric and petrographic certification data with the aim of selecting stone blocks having a generally parallelepiped or parallelepiped-like shape present at an extraction site or at any point of the distribution chain, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

- providing complete tridimensional color representations of the shape of the blocks, along with any related irregularities, by means of geomatics acquisition techniques,

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of providing a data base related to cataloging specific petrographic characters and possible defects of said stone blocks, and also associating the respective petrographic characters and possible defects present in said data base to each block when configuring said digital card.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that through the complete tridimensional representation of each block, a determination of the productivity percentage factor of the block with respect to cutting thereof into sheets is also made available.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that a visualization of the block being cut into sheets along with the possible determination of the final size of the sheets, is also made available.

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that a visualization of half-planes or the like intersected with the sheets and adapted to simulate possible defects such as cracks, fractures or holes of the block, is also made available.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of geomatics acquisition provides for turning over the blocks.

7. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of photographic acquisition provides for using colorimetric targets.

8. System for implementing the method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a detection station at the extraction and/or distribution chain site including means for translating and rotating/turning over the blocks and a photography station.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the detection station is volumetrically enveloped and darkened so as to create an environment substantially free of light and climatic interferences with the surrounding environment.

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the environment of the detection station is preferably dark-grey or black.

11. System according to one or more of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises means for wetting the block by spraying water.

12. System according to one or more of claims 8 to 1 1, characterized in that it uses reference colorimetric target means.

13. System according to one or more of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises means for coordinating and controlling the block translating means and the block rotation/turning over means provided to guide an operator during a predetermined and programmable sequence, comprising:

- managing the entry/exit of the block from the photography area,

- rotation of the block according to preset angles,

- optimized alignment of the block surface with the aid of distance laser detectors,

- positioning at a predetermined distance from the camera for the photographic acquisition of the face of the block to be photographed,

- performing colorimetric photographic shots according to preset parameters,

- performing a series of geomatics photographic shots according to preset parameters according to camera angles such to cover the view of every face of the block,

- contouring the edge of the block of each obtained image,

- cleaning any imperfections from the geomatics model,

- applying the faithful colorimetric features onto the geomatics model.

14. System according to one or more of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that said means for translating and rotating/turning over the blocks include:

- a platform (2) on which the stone block is supported, which is rotatable around a first axis (I), said first axis being vertical or transversal with respect to a horizontal plane;

- a turning-over device (4) configured for lifting said block from said platform (2) and rotating said block (B) around a second axis (II) which is transversal to said first axis (I), so as to subsequently arrange said block on said platform (2) according to an orientation such that it lies on said platform with a face different from the one with which it lay with before being raised.

15. System according to claim 14, wherein said platform (2) is movable along an horizontal plane to receive said block (2) from said device (4) after said block (B) has been turned over.

16. System according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said platform (2) is movable between a position for loading said block and an operative position at said turn-over device in which said device raises said block from said platform.

17. System according to any one of the claims 14 to 16, wherein said device (4) comprises at least one group (41) for holding said block, configured for rotating said block around said second axis (II), and a slide (43) by which said holding group (41) is carried, which is movable between a lowered position and a raised position.

18. System according to claim 17, in which said group (41) is constituted by a pair of arms (41 ') which are rotatable around said second axis (II).

19. System according to claim 18, wherein said arms (41 ') are further movable mutually around said second axis (II), between an open condition and a closed condition in which they engage two adjacent faces of said block.

20. System according to claim 19, wherein in said closed condition, said arms are mutually arranged substantially at 90°.

21. System according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein said device further comprises, a second holding group and a second slide (41, 43) which are spaced with respect to said first holding group and said first slide so that said first and second are arranged on the opposite sides of said platform.

22. System according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein said turning- over device is configured to rotate said block about a second axis (II), so as to subsequently re-arrange said block on said platform according to an orientation such that it lies on said platform with a new face that is immediately adjacent to the one with which it lay before being raised.

23. Device for turning over stone blocks of a generally parallelepiped shape or parallelepiped-like shape, comprising:

- at least a group (41) for holding said block,

- a slide (43) by which said holding group (41) is carried, which is movable between a lowered position and a raised position, for picking up, by means of said holding group (51), the block (B) to be turned over, from a platform on which said block is arranged, and for returning said block to said platform after the latter has been turned-over;

wherein said holding group is configured to rotate said block (B) around an axis (II) which is transversal with respect to a vertical axis, so that when said slide returns to said lowered position said block lies on said platform (2) with a face different from the one with which it lay before being raised.

24. Device according to claim 23, wherein said holding group is formed by a pair of arms (41 ') that are rotatable around said axis (II).

25. Device according to claim 24, wherein said arms (4 ) are mutually movable around said second axis (II), between an open condition and a closed condition in which they engage two adjacent faces of said block.

26. Method for acquiring characteristic parameters of a stone block of a generally parallelepiped shape or parallelepiped-like shape, by means of optical techniques, in particular photographic techniques, characterized in that it provides for using a system according to any of claims 14 to 22, and in that it includes the steps of:

- rotating by means of said platform (2) said block (B), along an angular range substantially equal to 360°;

- turning over said block (B) by means of said turning-over device so that said block lies on said platform (2) with a face different from the one with which it lay before being turned over; - rotating, by means of said platform, said block once again, along an angular range substantially equal to 360°.

27. Method according to claim 26, wherein during said steps of rotating said block (B), it provides for performing the acquisition of said parameters on faces of said block (B) that are transversal to said second axis (I) of said system.