EP3635170B1

EP3635170B1 - Apparatus for processing a material, in particular for cutting the material

Info

Publication number: EP3635170B1
Application number: EP18728745.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Paolo Tedeschi; Simone COMPAGNUCCI
Original assignee: BIERREBI ITALIA Srl
Current assignee: BIERREBI ITALIA Srl
Priority date: 2017-05-09
Filing date: 2018-05-08
Publication date: 2021-06-30
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-08
Also published as: ES2890133T3; EP3635170A1; WO2018207094A1; IT201700050124A1

Description

Technical field

This invention relates to an apparatus for processing a material, in particular for cutting the material.

Background art

The material is preferably in the form of a respective body, or layer, which is flexible or compliant, having a prevalent two-dimensional extension, which is shaped especially in the form of a tape or band, that is to say, it is in the form of a respective piece, and is preferably defined by a corresponding fabric or the like, that is to say, by another material, especially for use in the clothing sector, for covering products or for other purposes.
Preferably the material is provided for making, in particular by cutting, corresponding pieces or portions, suitably shaped, and used especially to make corresponding clothing, such as garments, apparel or the like. There are prior art apparatuses for cutting a material in the form of a respective body, or layer, which is flexible or compliant, having a prevalent two-dimensional extension defined by a corresponding fabric or the like for making, in particular by cutting, corresponding pieces or portions, suitably shaped, and used especially to make corresponding clothing, such as garments, apparel or the like.
The prior art apparatuses comprise, in general, a supporting frame for a supporting a surface of the material to be cut, and for the means for cutting the material, which are carried on a respective supporting head, which is movable relative to the mounting surface, in particular along a direction longitudinal to the supporting surface of the material.
The prior art apparatuses are illustrated and described at documents US4901359A , US2001045148A1 , JP2013119125A , JPH08120561A , JPH05123863A e JP2013155458A .

Aim of the invention

In general, the need is felt of making machines for processing, in particular cutting, a material, wherein the material is processed in a particularly accurate fashion zone by zone, that is to say, from which corresponding pieces or portions are cut which have particularly precise and accurate shapes.
However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which operates in a particularly effective manner.
However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which is particularly efficient.
However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which is particularly reliable.
However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which operates in a particularly fast manner.
However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which has a particularly reduced size.
However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which makes it possible to reduce the consumption of material used.
However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which allows a reduction in the number of components which are used. However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which can operate on various types of products.
However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which allows a high quality product to be obtained.
However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which allows products to be obtained which are as much as possible unspoilt and not damaged.
However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which has a reduced construction cost.

Brief description of the drawings

This and other innovative aspects, or specific advantageous embodiments, are set out in the appended claims and its technical features are apparent from the detailed description which follows of preferred, advantageous embodiments which must, however, be considered purely as a non-limiting example of the invention; the description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of just the head which carries the main operating means of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a side view of just the head which carries the main operating means of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;
Figure 4A is a block diagram of a process (discrete) for obtaining corresponding means for controlling the processing, in particular of the cutting, of corresponding one or more shaped portions in the material according to a first preferred embodiment;
Figure 4B is a block diagram of a process (continuous) for obtaining corresponding means for controlling the processing, in particular of the cutting, of corresponding one or more shaped portions in the material according to a second preferred embodiment;
Figures 5A to 10 are respective screen shots generated during the process for obtaining corresponding means for controlling the processing, in particular of the cutting, of corresponding one or more portions shaped in the material.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment 10 of an apparatus for processing a material 11, in particular for cutting the material 11.
The material 11 is preferably in the form of a respective body, or layer, which is flexible or compliant, having a prevalent two-dimensional extension, which is shaped especially in the form of a tape or band, that is to say, it is in the form of a respective piece, and is preferably defined by a corresponding fabric or the like, that is to say, by another material, and especially for use in the clothing sector, for covering products or for other purposes.
Preferably, however, the material 11 is provided for making, in particular by cutting, corresponding pieces or portions, suitably shaped, and used especially to make corresponding clothing, such as garments, apparel or the like.
As illustrated, the apparatus comprises supporting means, or frame, 10' for the means 12 for supporting, in particular for resting, the material 11, and for the means 14 for processing, in particular cutting the material 11, in particular the material 11 situated on the supporting means or surface 12, in particular mounted on respective supporting means, or head, 13. Advantageously, the apparatus comprises means 16 for capturing at least one image of the material 11, in particular of the material 11 situated on the means, or surface, 12 for supporting the apparatus.
In this way, it is possible to have an accurate view of the material to be processed, in particular to be cut, in particular in the respective processing condition on the apparatus for processing or cutting, and the processing or cutting of desired areas can therefore be carried out without defects of the material, thus achieving products with particularly precise quality and avoiding the production of corresponding and undesired waste of material. More specifically, as illustrated, the means for supporting the material 11 comprise a surface, in particular a top, flat surface 12 for supporting the material 11, specifically a surface defined by a corresponding flat-shaped supporting body, or table 12'.
As illustrated, more specifically the supporting table is in the form of a horizontal table, preferably which extends in a first "A" and a second "B" operating station of the apparatus, as described in more detail below. More specifically, as illustrated, the means, or head, 13 for supporting the processing means and the material 11, or the surface 12 for supporting the material 11, are movable relative to each other, in particular along the longitudinal direction of extension of the material 11 or the supporting surface 12 of the material 11.
More specifically, the means, or head, 13 for supporting the processing means are movable relative to the material 11, or to the surface 12 for supporting the material 11, especially between a withdrawn longitudinal position and an advanced longitudinal position, shown by dashed lines in Figure 1.
More specifically, as illustrated, the supporting means, or head, 13 are in the form of means transversely extended with respect to the material 11 and/or the respective means, or surface, 12 for supporting and/or resting the material 11, and in particular comprise respective transversal beam supporting means 131, which extend above the body, or the supporting table 12', especially the surface for supporting or resting the material 11.
Advantageously, the means 16 for capturing the image of the material 11 and the material 11, that is, the respective surface 12 for supporting or resting the material 11, are movable relative to each other, in particular the means 16 for capturing the image are movable relative to the material 11, especially relative to the material 11 supported on the supporting or resting surface 12, that is, relative to the supporting or resting surface 12, and in particular being movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of extension of the material 11 or the supporting or resting surface 12.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figure 1, the means 16 for capturing the image of the material 11 are movable between a first position, in particular at one end of the cross-section A for processing or cutting the material 11 and a second position, in particular at the end opposite of the section A for processing or cutting the material 11.
Advantageously, as may be well inferred from Figures 2 and 3, the means 16 for capturing the image of the material 11 comprise, or are in the form of, a corresponding video camera 16, in particular whose lens 16' is directed towards the material 11, and in particular faces downwards, that is, preferably, the corresponding optical axis of which is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the material 11 or to the supporting or resting surface 12 thereof.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figure 1, the means for capturing the image of the material 11, that is, the corresponding video camera 16, are transversally positioned in an intermediate, or substantially central, position to the material 11 or to the supporting or resting surface 12 thereof.
Advantageously, the video camera 16 is designed to capture the entire transversal width of the material 11 and/or the entire, or substantially entire, transversal width of the surface 12 for supporting or resting the material, the video camera 12 being in particular positioned at a height relative to the material 11, that is, relative to the supporting surface thereof, such as to capture the entire transversal width of the material and/or the entire, or substantially entire, transversal width of the resting surface 12.
Advantageously, the means, or video camera, 16 for capturing the image of the material 11, captures a corresponding image of the material 11 during a corresponding relative movement with respect to the material 11, in particular whilst the capturing means or video camera 16 move relative to the material 11.
In this way, an optimum capturing of the image of the material is achieved, without distortion effects.
The image captured is particularly precise and therefore overcomes the risk of processing or cutting zones which are unsuitable or do not have an accurate configuration.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the means 16 for capturing the image of the material 11 are supported on the means, or head, 13 for supporting the means 14 for processing, in particular cutting, the material 11, and especially on the movable means, or head, 13 supporting the means 14 for processing, in particular cutting, the material 11.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the means, or head, 13 for supporting the means 14 for processing, in particular for cutting, the material 11 comprise an elevation column 161 defining means for supporting or attaching the capturing means, or video camera, 18. More specifically, the elevation column 161 is fixed to the head 13, that is, to the transversal beam 161 thereof, preferably at a central zone of the beam or head, and extends above the beam or head. As illustrated, the means, or video camera, 16 for capturing the image are supported at the upper end of the column 161.
Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 1, the means, or head, 13 for supporting the processing means 14, in particular for cutting the material 11, has a forward stroke relative to the material 11 and a return stroke, the means 16 for capturing the image of the material 11 operating preferably along the return stroke of the supporting means, or head, 13.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, there are means 18 for emitting an electromagnetic radiation for illuminating the material 11. Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 1, the means 18 for emitting electromagnetic radiation for illuminating the material 11 and the material 11, or the surface 12 the material 11 is supported or rested on, are movable, in particular for illuminating the material, relative to each other, in particular according to a respective longitudinal direction of extension of the material 11 or the supporting surface 12.
Advantageously, the means 18 for emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the material 11 are movable simultaneously and in the same direction as, that is, together with the means 16 for capturing an image of the material 11 and preferably illuminate the material only during the steps for capturing an image of the material.
By illuminating the material in this way, an optimum display of the material is obtained for the purposes of capturing the image.
Advantageously, means 18 for emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the material 11 comprises, or is in the form of, a corresponding lamp which emits light radiation in the visible spectrum.
Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 1, the means 18 for emitting electromagnetic radiation for illuminating the material 11 extend transversally substantially for the entire width of the material 11 and/or of the respective means, or surface, 12 the material 11 is supported or rested on, and in particular are defined by a single, transversely extending illuminating element, comprising one or more lamps or lighting elements.
Advantageously, the means 18 for emitting an electromagnetic radiation for illuminating the material 11 are supported on the means, or head, 13 for supporting the means 14 for processing, in particular cutting, the material 11, and especially on the movable means, or head, 13 supporting the means 14 for processing, in particular cutting, the material 11.
Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 1, the means 18 for emitting an electromagnetic radiation for illuminating the material 11 are above the material, or the surface 12 for supporting or resting the material 11.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the means 16 for capturing the image of the material 11 are positioned above the means 18 for emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the material 11.
More specifically, as may be inferred from the drawings, the means 18 for emitting electromagnetic radiation for illuminating the material 11 are fixed to the head 13 for supporting the means for processing or cutting, in particular to the transversal beam 131 thereof, by corresponding arm means, in particular in the form of opposite lateral arms 181, 181, extending downwards, in particular from the transversal beam 131.
Advantageously, there are means for retaining the material 11 on the supporting means, or surface, 12, the retaining means being in particular in the form of means which can be activated and deactivated.
Advantageously, the means 16 for capturing at least one image of the material 11 capture the image of the material 11 when the material 11 is in the retained condition on the supporting means, or surface, 12, that is, after the means for retaining the material 11 on the supporting means, or surface, 12 has been activated.
More specifically, as illustrated, the means for activating the means for retaining the material comprise induction means 20, that is to say, for applying, in particular on the material 11, an electrostatic charge for retaining the material 11 on the supporting means, or surface, 12.
More specifically, as illustrated, the means 20 for inducing or applying the electrostatic charge are supported on the means, or head, 13 for supporting the means 14 for processing, in particular cutting, the material 11, and especially on the movable means, or head, 13 supporting the means 14 for processing, in particular cutting, the material 11.
More specifically, as illustrated, the means 20 for induction, or applying, in particular to the material 11, of an electrostatic charge for retaining the material 11, on the supporting means, or surface, 12, induce the charge during a respective movement or stroke, in particular forward movement, with respect to the material 11, of the supporting means, or head, 13.
Advantageously, the means 16 for capturing the image of the material 11 capture the image of the material 11 during a movement, or stroke, of the supporting means or, or head, 13 following the movement or stroke for inducing or applying the retaining electrostatic charge, in particular, following and/or opposite to the one for inducing or applying the electrostatic retaining charge, and specifically, during the return movement or stroke of the means or head 13.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the means 16 for capturing the image of the material 11 and/or the means 18 for emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the material 11 are longitudinally positioned in front of the means 20 for inducing the electrostatic charge.
More specifically, as illustrated, there are means for deactivating the means for retaining the material 11 on the supporting means, or surface, 12, which in particular comprise means 22 for deionizing, or neutralizing, the electrical charge of the material 11, the means 22 for deactivating or deionizing the electrostatic charge being in particular supported on the means, or head, 13 for supporting the means 14 for processing, in particular cutting, the material 11.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the means 16 for capturing the image of the material 11 and/or the means 18 for illuminating the material 11 are longitudinally positioned in front of the means 22 for deactivating, or deionizing, the electrostatic charge.
Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 3, there are means 24 for feeding the material 11 on the means, or surface, 12 supporting the material 11, which are in particular are supported on the means, or head, 13 for supporting the means 14 for processing, in particular cutting, the material 11.
More specifically, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 3, the means 16 for capturing the image of the material 11 and/or the means 18 for illuminating the material 11 are longitudinally positioned in front of the means 24 for feeding the material 11 on the means, or surface, 12 for supporting the material 11.
More specifically, the means 24 for feeding the material 11 on the means, or surface, 12 for supporting the material 11 have a respective gripping portion movable between a position, in particular lowered, for engaging and feeding the material 11, wherein the lower surface 24' of this portion for gripping the feeding means engages the material 11, and a position, in particular raised, for disengaging and releasing the material 11, wherein the lower surface 24' of the portion for gripping the feeding means is spaced from the material 11.
More specifically, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 1, there are electronic processing means 30 defining the means for operationally controlling the apparatus, in particular comprising means for interfacing with the operator, including a screen 30' and/or any other output means, a keyboard 30" and/or the like for input, and a computer having at least respective processor means, one or more memories and corresponding input/output devices, which operate under the control of corresponding software means or programs and which are in connection with the respective operating means of the apparatus, in particular with the corresponding drive means.
In particular, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 1, there are means B for supporting the material processed, or cut.
More specifically, therefore, the supporting means, or frame, 10' define a section A for processing, in particular cutting, the material and a section B for discharging, in particular manually, the material processed, or cut, the discharging section B being provided downstream of the processing, or cutting, section, preferably both the sections upstream for processing or cutting A and downstream for discharging the cut processed material B are defined by a common body or table 12' defining the surface 12 for the sliding support of the material 11.
In particular, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 1, there are means 26 for feeding the material between the processing or cutting section A and the section for discharging the material B.
More specifically, the means 26 for feeding the material between the section for processing or cutting A and the section for discharging B comprise a unit 26 for engaging and disengaging the material, the unit 26 being movable, in particular longitudinally, above the body or table for supporting the material 11, between a first position at the processing or cutting section A, wherein it engages the material processed or cut, and a second position at the discharging section B, wherein it disengages the material processed or cut.
Advantageously, although not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the feed unit, or means, 26 is movable in a third position in which it is outside the discharging section B, and in particular in which it is under the body or table 12' supporting the material, in particular vertically with respect to the discharging section B.
More specifically, the flat body or table defining the means, or surface 12 for supporting and resting the material is made from, or comprises, at least one corresponding layer for supporting the material 11, or defining the surface 12 for supporting the material, which is made of glass.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the means 18 for emitting electromagnetic radiation for illuminating the material 11 are at the same height, or substantially at the same height, as the means 20 for the induction or emission of the charge and/or of the deactivation or deionizing means 22 and/or of the engagement and feed means 24, at least when they are in the condition for disengaging the material.
More specifically, the means for cutting the material comprise rotatable blade means, comprising one or more circular blades 141, which engage and cut the material 11 on the supporting or resting surface 12.
More specifically, the processing or cutting means 14 are movable longitudinally, together and carried by the supporting head 13, and are movable transversally relative to the supporting head 13, moving in a slidable fashion on the supporting head 13, that is, supported by the transversal beam thereof.
More specifically, the supporting head 13 has, provided at the opposite lateral ends of the head, corresponding means for sliding on corresponding lateral guides supported by the frame 10' of the apparatus, which are not, however, illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings. Advantageously, as may be inferred with reference to Figures 4A and 4B relating to corresponding methods and the screenshots of Figures 5A to 10, this apparatus comprises means 50 for making corresponding means 40 for controlling the processing, in particular cutting, of one or more shaped work portions 35, as illustrated in Figure 10, in the material 11.
The means for making corresponding means 40 for controlling the processing, in particular the cutting, are in particular implemented by the electronic processing means 30 which control the apparatus, in the form of control of corresponding software means or programs.
Advantageously, the means for controlling the processing, in particular the cutting, of one or more shaped portions 35 of the material 11, are defined by a respective file defining the placing and laying out of figures or shapes, corresponding to respective portions to be processed or cut on the captured image 31 of the material 11. More specifically, it is a .pca file, corresponding to the screen page of Figure 10, the file being readable by the processing means 30 which control the apparatus 10.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from the flow diagrams of Figures 4A and 4B, the means 50 for making corresponding means 40 for controlling the processing comprise respective means for managing the acquisition 51 of the image of the material 11 by the capturing means 16, and by means of which a corresponding captured image 31 of the material 11 is obtained, illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B. As of inferred from Figures 4A and 4B, the means 51 operate after the material, for example in the form of a fabric, has been laid out flat, and in particular made to adhere, in the step 49, on the supporting or resting surface 12.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figures 4A and 4B, the means 50 for making corresponding means 40 for controlling the processing or cutting of the material comprise means 52 and/or 54 which allow a respective template 32 to be obtained, that is to say, a specific arbitrary shape to find in the captured or acquired image 31.
Advantageously, in particular according to a first method, the means which allows a respective template to be obtained are defined by means 52 which allow extrapolating a respective template 32 from a respective image 31, in particular which allow cutting out from the image 31 a portion defining the template.
Advantageously, according to the method, the template is extrapolated from the captured or acquired image of the material 11.
Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 5B, extrapolating the template comprises defining the cutout portion or window 320 in the respective image, for example as illustrated the window could have a square or rectangular outer profile, in particular defining, in this cutout portion of the image, a first control point 321 for locking the figure or shape 35 of the portion to be processed or cut, and especially defining, in this cutout portion of the image, a second control point 322 for calculating the angle of rotation at which to place or lay out the figure or shape 35 of the portion to be processed or cut on the respective image 31, as illustrated in Figure 10.
Advantageously, in accordance with a second method, the means which allow a respective template to be obtained are defined by means 54 which call up or load a predetermined template, in particular in the form of a respective file, for example a .xml extension file, previously saved and, in particular, defining for the respective template an image portion or window 320, specifically a first control point 321 for locking the figure or shape of the portion to be processed or cut, and preferably, a second control point 322 for calculating the angle of rotation at which to place the figure or shape 35 of the portion to be processed or cut on the respective image 31. Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figures 4A and 4B, as well as from Figure 6, the means 50 for making corresponding means 40 for controlling the processing or cutting of the material comprise means 55, in particular in the form of means implementing a "Pattern Matching" algorithm, which search for, in the captured image of the material 11, the patterns or zones 32' of the image which correspond to the respective template 32, in particular with a percentage, or level, of suitably predetermined correspondence, in particular searching in each pattern identified for the first control point 321 and the second control point 322 to determine the angle of rotation of the pattern.
At this point, the process for identifying patterns could be repeated for various templates.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figure 4A and 4B, the means 50 for making corresponding means 40 for controlling the processing or cutting of the material comprise means 56, which, after the step of searching or "Pattern Matching", create a respective file, in particular with a .csv extension, which comprises for each pattern the x, y coordinates of the first control point 321 and the angle of rotation θ of the same pattern.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figures 4A and 4B, the means 50 for making corresponding means 40 for controlling the processing or cutting of the material comprise means 57 for recalling, or loading, files 35', in particular predetermined, (in particular with .dxf, .iso or .dwg extensions) containing the figures or shapes 35 corresponding to the portions to be processed or to be cut, as may be inferred from Figures 7 and 8, and the files (in particular with .csv extension) containing the pattern 32' identified in the captured image 31.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figures 4A and 4B, the means 50 for making corresponding means 40 for controlling the processing, or cutting, of the material 11 comprise means 58 for positioning, or laying out, at a respective pattern 32', identified on the captured image 31, a respective figure or shape 35 corresponding to a respective portion to be processed, in particular to be cut, in the material 11, as may be easily inferred from Figures 9 and 10.
Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 4B, if the process is operated continuously, the means 50 for making corresponding means 40 for controlling the processing or cutting of the material comprise, before implementing the means 55 for searching for patterns or Patterns Matching means, means 59 to define the area of maximum extension or dimensions of the figure or shape 35 corresponding to the portion to be processed or cut.
In this way, the algorithm provides as a result only areas which can completely contain the selected shape in the desired position.
As may be inferred in particular from Figure 4A and 4B, there is a process for making corresponding means 40 for controlling the processing, in particular cutting, of corresponding one or more shaped portions 35 in the material 11, in particular defined by a respective file defining the positioning or laying out of figures or shapes, corresponding to respective portions to be processed or to be cut, on the captured image 31 of the material 11; the process comprising one or more of the following steps, in particular in sequence with each other:

managing the capturing 51 of the image of the material 11 by the capturing means 16, and by means of which a corresponding captured image 31 of the material 11 is obtained;
obtaining 52, 54 a respective template 32, that is to say, a specific arbitrary shape to be found in the captured image 31;
finding 55, in particular through a "Pattern Matching" algorithm, in the captured image of the material 11, the patterns or zones 32' of the image corresponding to the respective template 32, specifically finding in each pattern identified the first control point 321 and the second point control point 322 to determine the angle of rotation of the pattern itself;
creating 56, after the step of finding or "Pattern Matching", a respective file which comprises for each pattern the coordinates (x, y) of the first control point 321 and the angle of rotation (θ) of the pattern;
calling up, or loading, 57 the files containing the figures or shapes 35 corresponding to the portions to be processed or cut and the file containing the patterns 32' identified in the captured image 31; and
placing, or laying out, 58 at a respective pattern 32', identified on the captured image 31, a respective figure or shape 35 corresponding to a respective portion to be processed, in particular to be cut, in the material 11.

Advantageously, the step of obtaining a respective template 32 is accomplished by extrapolating 52 a respective template 32 from a respective image 31, specifically from the captured image 31 and in particular by cutting out from the image a portion defining the template of the image 31 and in particular defining a first control point 321 for locking the figure or shape 35 of the portion to be processed or cut, and in particular defining a second control point 322 for calculating the angle of rotation at which to place or lay out the figure or shape 35 of the portion to be processed or cut on the respective image 31.
Advantageously, the step of obtaining a respective template 32 is accomplished by calling up, or loading, 54 a default template, in particular in the form of a respective file previously saved and, in particular, defining for the respective template an image portion or window 320, specifically a first control point 321 for locking the figure or shape of the portion to be processed or cut, and preferably, a second control point 322 for calculating the angle of rotation at which to place the figure or shape 35 of the portion to be processed or cut on the respective image 31.
Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figure 4B, in order to implement a continuous, rather than discrete, process, before implementing the pattern finding, that is to say, the Pattern Matching algorithm, the area of maximum extension or dimensions of the figure or shape 35 is defined 59 corresponding to the portion to be processed or cut.
In practice, as is evident, the technical features described above allow the present invention, individually or in respective combination, to achieve one or more of the following advantageous results:

providing an apparatus for processing, in particular cutting, a material, wherein the material is processed in a particularly accurate fashion zone by zone, that is to say, from which corresponding pieces or portions are cut which have shapes, in particular having designs or ornamental patterns, which are particularly precise and accurate;
providing an apparatus which operates in a particularly effective manner;
providing an apparatus which is particularly reliable;
providing an apparatus which operates in a particularly fast manner;
providing an apparatus which has a particularly reduced size;
providing an apparatus which can operate on various types of products;
providing an apparatus which allows a high quality product to be obtained;
providing an apparatus which has a reduced construction cost.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application.

Claims

An apparatus (10) for processing a material, in particular for cutting the material (11); the material being preferably in the form of a mainly two-dimensional, flexible or compliant piece or sheet, the material being especially in the shape of a web or belt, that is to say, it is in the form of a respective roll and is preferably a fabric, to be used especially to make wearing apparel, for covering products or for other purposes; the material being preferably intended to make, specifically by cutting, suitably shaped pieces or portions used especially to make corresponding items of apparel, such as garments, dresses; the apparatus comprising a means, or frame (10') for mounting a means, or surface (12), for supporting, specifically for resting, the material (11), and also for mounting a means (14) for processing, in particular for cutting, the material (11), specifically mounted on a respective supporting means or head (13); the apparatus comprises means (16) for capturing at least one image of the material (11);
the means (16) for capturing the image of the material (11) and the material (11), or the respective surface (12) the material (11) itself is supported or rested on, are movable relative to each other, the means (16) for capturing the image is movable relative to the material (11), supported on the supporting or rest surface (12), that is, relative to the supporting or rest surface (12) itself;
the means (16) for capturing the image being movable relatively along the longitudinal direction of extension of the material (11) or of the surface (12) the material is supported or rested on;
the means (16) for capturing the image of the material (11) comprises or is in the form of a corresponding camera (16), in particular one whose lens (16') is directed towards the material (11), and specifically is directed downwards, that is, preferably, one whose corresponding optical axis is perpendicular to the material (11) or to the surface (12) which it is supported or rested on;
apparatus being characterized in that
the means, or camera, (16) for capturing the image of the material (11) capture a corresponding image of the material (11) during a corresponding movement relative to the material (11), while the capturing means, or camera, (16) moves relative to the selfsame material (11);
the camera (16) is adapted to capture the entire transverse width of the material (11) and/or the entire, transverse width of the surface (12) which it is supported or rested on, the camera (16) being, more specifically, positioned at a height relative to the material (11), or to the surface which the material is supported or rested on, such as to capture the entire transverse width of the material and/or the entire, transverse width of the supporting surface (12).
The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for supporting the material (11) comprises a surface, specifically a top, flat surface (12) for supporting or resting the material (11), specifically a surface defined by a corresponding flat-shaped supporting body, or table (12');the means or head (13) for supporting the processing means and the material (11), or the surface (12) for supporting or resting the material (11), are movable relative to each other, in particular along the longitudinal direction of extension of the material (11), or the surface (12) the material (11) is supported or rested on; in particular the means or head (13) for supporting the processing means being movable relative to the material (11), or the surface (12) the material (11) is supported or rested on.
The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (16) for capturing the image of the material (11) is movable between a first position, in particular, at one end of a section (A) for processing or cutting the material (11), and a second position, in particular, at the opposite end of the selfsame section (A) for processing or cutting the material (11).
The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the means for capturing the image of the material (11), that is, the corresponding camera (16) is transversely positioned at an intermediate or substantially central position relative to the material (11) or to the surface (12) which the material is supported or rested on.
The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means, or camera, (16) for capturing the image of the material (11) is supported on the means or head (13) for supporting the processing means (14), in particular for cutting the material (11), and specifically, on the movable means, or head, (13) for supporting the processing means (14), in particular for cutting the material (11);
the means or head (13) for supporting the processing means (14), in particular for cutting the material (11), comprise a lift column (161) defining means for mounting or attaching the capturing means, or camera (18).
The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (18) for emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the material (11).
The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the means (18) for emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the material (11) and the material (11), or the surface (12) the material (11) is supported or rested on, are movable relative to each other along a respective longitudinal direction of extension of the material (11), or the surface (12) the material is supported or rested on; in particular,
the means (18) for emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the material (11) is movable between a first position, in particular, at one end of the section (A) for processing or cutting the material (11), and a second position, in particular, at the opposite end of the selfsame section (A) for processing or cutting the material (11).
The apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the means (18) for emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the material (11) is movable simultaneously and in the same direction as, or together with, the means (16) for capturing an image of the material (11).
The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the means (18) for emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the material (11) comprises, or is in the form of, a corresponding lamp which emits light radiation in the visible spectrum.
The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the means (18) for emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the material (11) extends transversely substantially for the entire width of the material (11) and/or of the respective means or surface (12) the material (11) is supported or rested on, and in particular are defined by a single, transversely extending illuminating element.
The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the means (18) for emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the material (11) is supported on the means or head (13) for supporting the processing means (14), in particular for cutting the material (11), and specifically, on the movable means, or head, (13) for supporting the processing means (14), in particular for cutting the material (11).
The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the means (16) for capturing the image of the material (11) is positioned above the means (18). for emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the material (11).
The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for retaining the material (11) on the supporting means, or surface, (12), the retaining means being, in particular, in the form of activatable means.
The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the means (16) for capturing at least one image of the material (11) capture the image of the material (11) when the material (11) is in the retained condition on the supporting means, or surface, (12), that is, after the means for retaining the material (11) on the supporting means, or surface, (12) has been activated.
The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that it comprises means for activating the means for retaining the material comprises induction means (20), in particular, means for applying on the material (11) an electrostatic charge by which the material (11) is retained on the supporting means, or surface, (12).
The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the means (20) for inducing or applying the electrostatic charge is supported on the means or head (13) for supporting the processing means (14), in particular for cutting the material (11), and specifically, on the movable means, or head, (13) for supporting the processing means (14), in particular for cutting the material (11).
The apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the means (20) for inducing or applying on the material (11) an electrostatic charge for retaining the material (11) on the supporting means, or surface, (12) induce the charge during a respective forward movement or stroke of the supporting means or head (13) relative to the material (11).
The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the means (16) for capturing the image of the material (11) capture the image of the material (11) during a movement, or stroke, of the supporting means or, or head, (13) following the movement or stroke for inducing or applying the retaining electrostatic charge, in particular, following and/or opposite to the one for inducing or applying the electrostatic retaining charge, and specifically, during the return movement or stroke.
The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the means (16) for capturing the image of the material (11) and/or the means (18) for emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the material (11) are longitudinally positioned in front of the means (20) for inducing the electrostatic charge.
The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises electronic processing means (30) for operatively controlling the apparatus.
The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises production means (50) for making corresponding means (40) for controlling the processing, in particular the cutting, of one or more shaped portions (35) of the material (11); the production means (50) being in particular implemented by the electronic processing means (30) which controls the apparatus.
The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the means for controlling the processing, in particular the cutting, of one or more shaped portions (35) of the material (11), is defined by a respective file defining the placing and laying out of figures or shapes corresponding to respective portions to be processed or cut on the captured image (31) of the material (11).
The apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the production means (50) for making corresponding means (40) for controlling the processing comprises respective means for managing the capturing (51) of the image of the material (11) by the capturing means (16) and by means of which a corresponding captured image (31) of the material (11) is obtained.
The apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the production means (50) for making corresponding means (40) for controlling the processing, in particular the cutting, of the material, comprises means (52 and/or 54) which allow obtaining a respective template (32), that is, a specific arbitrary shape to be found in the captured image (31).
The apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that the means which allow obtaining a respective template is defined by means (52) which allow extrapolating a respective template (32) from a respective image (31), in particular which allow cutting out from the image (31) a portion defining the template.
The apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that the template is extrapolated from the captured image of the material (11).
The apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that extrapolating the template comprises defining the cutout portion or window (320) in the respective image, in particular defining a first control point (321) for locking the figure or shape (35) of the portion to be processed or cut, and especially, defining a second control point (322) for calculating the angle of rotation at which to place or lay out the figure or shape (35) of the portion to be processed or cut on the respective image (31).
The apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the means which allow obtaining a respective template is defined by means (54) which call up or load a default template, in particular in the form of a respective file previously saved and, in particular, defining for the respective template an image portion or window (320), specifically a first control point (321) for locking the figure or shape of the portion to be processed or cut, and preferably, a second control point (322) for calculating the angle of rotation at which to place the figure or shape (35) of the portion to be processed or cut on the respective image (31).
The apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 28, characterized in that the production means (50) for making corresponding means (40) for controlling the processing or cutting of the material, comprises means (55), in particular in the form of means that implement a "pattern matching" algorithm to find, in the captured image of the material (11) the patterns or zones (32') of the image corresponding to the respective template (32), specifically finding in each pattern identified the first control point (321) and the second control point (322) to determine the angle of rotation of the pattern itself.
The apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the production means (50) for making corresponding means (40) for controlling the processing or cutting of the material, comprises means (56) which, after the step of "pattern matching" or finding, create a respective file which comprises, for each pattern, the (x, y) coordinates of the first control point (321) and the angle of rotation (θ) of the pattern itself.
The apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 30, characterized in that the production means (50) for making corresponding means (40) for controlling the processing or cutting of the material comprises means (57) for loading the files containing the figures or shapes (35) corresponding to the portions to be processed or cut and the file containing the patterns (32') identified in the captured image (31).
The apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 31, characterized in that the production means (50) for making corresponding means (40) for controlling the processing or cutting of the material comprises means (58) for placing or laying out at a respective pattern (32') identified on the captured image (31) a respective figure or shape (35) corresponding to a respective portion to be processed, in particular to be cut, in the material (11).
The apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 31, characterized in that the production means (50) for making corresponding means (40) for controlling the processing or cutting of the material comprises, prior to implementing the means (55) for finding the patterns or pattern matching, means (59) to define the area of maximum extension or dimensions of the figure or shape (35) corresponding to the portion to be processed or cut.
The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat-shaped supporting body, or table defining the means or surface (12) the material is supported or rested on, is made from, or comprises a corresponding layer which the material (11) is rested on, or defining the surface (12) which the material is rested on and which is made of glass.
A method for making corresponding means (40) for controlling the processing, in particular the cutting, of one or more shaped portions (35) of the material (11), in particular defined by a respective file defining the placing and laying out of figures or shapes corresponding to respective portions to be processed or cut on the captured image (31) of the material (11) using an apparatus according to any one of claims from 1 to 34; the method comprising one or more of the following steps:
- managing a capturing (51) of the image of the material (11) by the capturing means (16) and by means of which a corresponding captured image (31) of the material (11) is obtained;

- obtaining (52, 54) a respective template (32), that is, a specific arbitrary shape to find in the captured image (31);

- finding (55) in the captured image of the material (11), in particular through a "pattern matching" algorithm, the patterns or zones (32') of the image corresponding to the respective template (32), specifically finding in each pattern identified the first control point (321) and the second control point (322) to determine the angle of rotation of the pattern itself;

- creating (56), after the step of finding or "pattern matching", a respective file which comprises, for each pattern, the (x, y) coordinates of the first control point (321) and the angle of rotation (θ) of the pattern itself;

- calling up or loading (57) the file containing the figures or shapes (35) corresponding to the portions to be processed or cut and the file containing the patterns (32') identified in the captured image (31);

- placing or laying out (58) at a respective pattern (32') identified on the captured image (31) a respective figure or shape (35) corresponding to a respective portion to be processed, in particular to be cut, in the material (11).
The method according to claim 35, characterized in that the step of obtaining a respective template (32) is accomplished by extrapolating (52) a respective template (32) from a respective image (31), specifically from the captured image (31) and in particular by cutting out from the image (31) a portion defining the template and defining a first control point (321) for locking the figure or shape (35) of the portion to be processed or cut, and defining a second control point (322) for calculating the angle of rotation at which to place or lay out the figure or shape (35) of the portion to be processed or cut on the respective image (31).
The method according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that the step of obtaining a respective template (32) is defined by calling up or loading (54) a default template, in particular in the form of a respective file previously saved and, in particular, defining for the respective template an image portion or window (320), specifically a first control point (321) for locking the figure or shape of the portion to be processed or cut, and preferably, a second control point (322) for calculating the angle of rotation at which to place or the figure or shape (35) of the portion to be processed or cut on the respective image (31).
The method according to any one of claims 35 to 37, characterized in that carrying out a continuous process is accomplished, prior to implementing the step of pattern finding or the pattern matching algorithm, by defining (59) the area of maximum extension or dimensions of the figure or shape (35) corresponding to the portions to be processed or cut.