FR3138188A1 - Device with improved lighting management - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention describes an apparatus (1) for the inspection and/or treatment of a material, in particular leather, the apparatus (1) comprising a work surface (2) adapted to provide a support surface for the material, said work surface (2) having at least a first pair of opposite sides (2a) and at least a second pair of opposite sides (2b), a control unit (C) adapted to manage the apparatus (1 ), and a lighting system (15) comprising at least a first set of light sources (15') which are arranged and configured to illuminate the work surface (2) from an elevated position relative to said work surface (2). work surface (2), at a first angle of incidence with said work surface (2), and a second set of light sources (15'') arranged and configured to emit grazing light towards the work surface (2) , at a second angle of incidence with said work plane (2), said second angle of incidence being less than the first angle of incidence. The second set of light sources (15'') comprises a first plurality of light sources (15''a) arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides (2a) of the first pair of opposite sides, and a second plurality of light sources (15''b) arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides (2b) of the second pair of opposite sides. Figure for abstract: (Figure 1)

Description

Device with improved lighting management

APPLICATION DOMAIN

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the inspection of fabrics, in particular for the inspection of leather for various articles in the leather goods, clothing, footwear, automobile and the like sectors, and the following description is made with reference to this field of application with the sole aim of simplifying the exposition thereof. In some embodiments, the apparatus may also be a material cutting machine, particularly for cutting leather.

As is well known in this particular technical field, there are inspection devices on which fabrics (in particular, leather) are arranged to be inspected before their cutting. During inspection, the fabrics arranged on these devices are analyzed by the operator in order to detect and mark any defects occurring, which are recorded and stored in a digital file; Additionally, or alternatively, it is also possible to acquire images of the leather to be analyzed without manually marking defects, said images then being processed through the software. Indeed, each type of fabric, even of the best quality, can have surface defects, such as for example small dots, surface alterations, low quality areas and the like. For this reason, as part of quality control, it is important to identify and report any defects before continuing processing.

In connection with the subsequent processing of the material, there are devices capable of carrying out automated cutting of the sheet according to a predefined cutting pattern. In particular, there are so-called cutting tables or benches, which do not provide for the presence of a closed cutting chamber (and generally not even a conveyor belt) but only a work surface ( generally fixed) on which the material to be cut is arranged. Generally, in said devices, there is at least one track for the sliding of carriages which move at least one spoke or arm extending transversely, which supports a movable cutting unit on said arm for cutting the sheet arranged on the work surface . There are also cutting machines having a cutting chamber (e.g. box-shaped) into which the material is fed by a conveyor belt, which then transports the cut parts to an unloading area.

A problem, which is shared by all these devices, is related to the lighting of the work area, where different operations and/or different materials may require a respective different lighting mode to work in optimal conditions. This is particularly critical in leather inspection machines, in which defect detection is closely linked to the lighting chosen and there is often the need to change lighting modes, both when changing the type of leather to inspect only when inspecting a single leather; there are in fact defects which can only be detected by choosing a certain type of suitable lighting.

It would therefore be desirable to effectively manage lighting according to current needs which may vary, which known devices cannot do.

The technical problem of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having structural and functional characteristics so as to make it possible to overcome the limitations and drawbacks which still affect known solutions, in particular an apparatus having improved lighting control, thereby allowing example of carrying out the management of different types of leather and/or different operations to be carried out efficiently and with great ease.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide a device making it possible to easily detect any type of defect in the material inspected and, more generally, to facilitate the inspection of the material by operators.

The solution idea underlying the present invention is to provide an apparatus in which many different light sources of different directions are present, in particular different grazing lights to enable very efficient inspection of the material. The work surface lighting is adjusted through a control unit (which optionally has machine operating settings stored in its memory) according to the operator's needs, selecting a particular lighting mode (e.g. example the intensity or type of lights on) among the various possible modes and therefore adjusting the lighting system. The result is a versatile system in which, depending on the operator's selection, the desired lighting is accordingly established, so that optimal lighting conditions are always achieved, for example depending on the material on the plan. work or depending on the operation that the machine must perform. These operations can occur automatically, for example by selecting a specific working mode of the device which involves a specific combination of parameters, or by a specific selection of particular parameters by the user, all this in any case involving the command of the lighting system by the control unit (for example, in case of manual adjustment, the control unit is used to control a single lights adjustment panel). Suitably, there are different sets of grazing lights on the work surface, said different sets being oriented in relation to each other differently in relation to said work surface (both frontally and laterally) and capable of being selected and adjusted, even in relation to each other, to analyze any aspect of the leather on the work surface and detect any surface defects.

Depending on this idea of solution, the above technical problem is solved by an apparatus for inspecting and/or treating a material, in particular leather, comprising a work surface adapted to provide a support surface for the material, said work surface comprising at least a first pair of opposite sides, for example of upper extension, and at least a second pair of opposite sides, for example of lower extension, a control unit adapted to manage the apparatus, and a lighting system comprising at least a first set of light sources arranged and configured to illuminate the work surface from an elevated position relative to said work surface, at a first angle of incidence with said plane work surface, and a second set of light sources arranged and configured to emit grazing light on the work surface, at a second angle of incidence with said work surface, said second angle of incidence being less than the first angle of 'incidence, in which the second set of light sources comprises a first plurality of light sources arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides of the first pair of opposite sides, and a second set of light sources arranged at of at least one of the two opposite sides of the second pair of opposite sides.

More particularly, the invention includes the following additional and optional features, taken individually or, if necessary, in combination.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the device can be configured to allow adjustment (automatically according to a mode chosen or even manually by the operator) at least of the relative intensity and/or the color temperature relative between said pluralities of grazing lights.

More generally, the apparatus can be configured to allow relative adjustment between the first plurality of light sources and the second plurality of light sources, for example by adjusting the relative intensity (and/or possibly the color temperature) between said sources luminous.

Additionally or alternatively, according to an aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be configured to allow relative adjustment of the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources.

In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus (e.g. the control unit) may be configured to allow selective activation of one of the first set of light sources or the second set of light sources . Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus (e.g. the control unit) may be configured to adjust the relative intensity between the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources, and thus to dim said sets of sources light according to different values.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may comprise a memory unit comprising a plurality of operating instructions, each operating instruction corresponding to a lighting mode of the lighting system, in which the apparatus further comprises means configured to allow the selection of a lighting mode among the stored lighting modes, said control unit being configured to control the lighting system according to said selection.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the memory unit may comprise a plurality of previously stored instructions for a respective plurality of fabrics (materials, in particular different types of leather), each instruction corresponding to a specific lighting mode of the lighting system adapted to the relative fabric (material) and selectable via the control unit.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit can be configured to define a first intensity and/or color temperature of the lighting system and, in at least a second lighting mode, the control unit can be configured to define a second intensity and/or color temperature of the lighting system that is different from the first intensity and/or color temperature.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting system may include a plurality of LEDs.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the second set of light sources may comprise, at the respective side(s) of the work surface, a plurality of light sources arranged side by side and a plurality of respective lenses configured to generate a light beam having an opening angle of between 5° and 25°.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the second set of light sources may comprise, at the respective side(s) of the work plane, a plurality of light sources configured to generate a light beam having an angle of incidence with the work plane. work between 0 and 30°, in which negative angles are also possible, in any case so as to ensure the desired grazing character.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the second set of light sources may comprise a plurality of light sources arranged in at least two substantially parallel rows.

According to one aspect of the present invention, light sources arranged in one row can be configured to generate a light beam having an angle of incidence with the work surface different from that of the light sources arranged in another row.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the sides of the first pair of opposite sides may be sides of greater extension, and the sides of the second pair of opposite sides may be a side of lower extension relative to the two sides herein. -above (for example adjacent to the sides of upper extension), in which the first plurality of light sources is arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides of upper extension, and in which the second set of sources light is arranged at least one of the two opposite sides of lower extension (preferably the two sides of lower extension), the work surface preferably being rectangular in shape.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may include a support element adapted to support the lighting system.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may comprise at least one image detector adapted to acquire images and/or videos of the material on the work surface, in which the control unit is configured to allow the switching of the lighting system at least between a first operating mode, which is adapted to allow inspection of the material by the operator, and a second operating mode, which is adapted to allow the acquisition of images and/or or videos by means of said at least one image detector and which corresponds to a different setting of the lighting system, in which the optimal operating parameters of said image detector (that is to say the optimal parameters for the acquisition of images and/or videos) are optionally stored in the memory unit of the control unit and are optimized with respect to the setting of the lighting system in said second operating mode, in which, in switching between the first operating mode and the second operating mode, said parameters of the image detector are not modified.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may further comprise at least one projector adapted to project elements onto the work surface.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit can be configured to define (optionally also dynamically) work areas, according to which the material arranged on the work surface is virtually subdivided, and the projector can be configured to project profiles corresponding to said work zones onto the work surface, each of said profiles being adapted to allow a single work zone to be identified by the operator, for example to distinguish a single work zone in relation to the other work zones .

According to one aspect of the present invention, the work zones are defined as a function of an image acquired of the material, for example by means of an image detector (for example the same detector previously described for technical light).

According to one aspect of the present invention, the projector can be configured to project the profiles corresponding to the unique work areas separately from each other, wherein the control unit is adapted to allow the selection of a specific profile and therefore the switching from the projection of one profile to the projection of a different profile, and wherein said control unit is further adapted to control the lighting system according to the specific projected profile.

For example, the control unit may be further configured to control the lighting system so as to turn off, or maintain at reduced intensity, light sources of the lighting system corresponding to (i.e. adapted to illuminate) work areas not projected, for example areas which have previously been linked to specific light sources by means of the central unit.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the projected profiles can be square or rectangular in shape.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the work surface can be equipped with means adapted to allow the movement of the material in a direction of movement, and the apparatus can comprise means for allowing the actuation of the movement means as a function of 'an entry from a user.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit can be configured to previously define the size of the base of the square or rectangular shape of the profile depending on the shape of the material (in particular depending on the extension of the material in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement), and to adjust the size of the height of said square or rectangular shape of the projected profile as a function of the movement of the material in the direction of movement.

Of course, the profile does not have to be a closed shape (i.e. the square or rectangular shape above), but it can also be a line extending in a direction (e.g. transverse) relative to the direction of movement and which is dynamically adapted according to the movement of the material, thereby defining the various working zones (horizontal zones) while the material moves.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may further comprise at least a first projector and a second projector for projecting elements onto the work surface, wherein the control unit is operably connected to the first projector and the second projector and includes a actuation means configured to enable selective activation of one of the first spotlight or the second spotlight, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the lighting system depending on which spotlight is activated, wherein said control unit is configured to switch automatically switches the lighting system from a first projection mode, when the first projector is selected, to a second projection mode, when the second projector is selected.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the first projector may comprise at least one laser source and the second projector may be a video projector.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit can be configured to change the intensity of light emitted by the lighting system in switching between the first projection mode and the second projection mode, and vice versa.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be a material (leather) inspection machine comprising a plurality of image detectors (for example those previously described) adapted to acquire images of a fabric (material) on the work surface, in which the control unit is configured to process the images acquired by said image detectors and to generate a digital copy of the inspected tissue. Optionally, a signaling element adapted to indicate defects on the surface of the fabric may also be present.

The control unit may further be configured to correlate defects on the fabric indicated by said signaling element with the acquired image of the fabric, or to automatically process the image and detect defects without user notification, in both cases with the possible generation of a report indicating at least the shape and position of the defects on said fabric.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the projector may comprise at least one laser projector, said laser projector being adapted to project, in addition to the profile, also defects in the material identified by the operator in the work area through the signaling element.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit can be configured to define a plurality of cutting zones (quality zones) on the digitized image, the type, number and position of said cutting zones being defined and optimized according to the information acquired by said control unit during inspection of the fabric.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the device can be a cutting machine comprising at least one cutting unit adapted to cut the material arranged on the work surface.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus for the inspection and/or treatment of a material, in particular leather, comprising a work surface adapted to provide a support surface for the material (said work surface comprising for example at at least a first pair of opposite sides, for example of upper extension, and at least a second pair of opposite sides, for example of lower extension), a control unit designed to manage the device, a lighting system and at least one projector for projecting elements onto the work surface, in which the control unit is configured to define work areas, according to which the material arranged on the work surface is virtually subdivided, and the projector is configured to project profiles corresponding to said work zones on the work plan, each of said profiles being adapted to identify (allow identification, for example by the operator) a single work zone (for example in relation to the other work zones ).

Below, advantageous and optional aspects of the present invention concerning this specific device described here, that is to say the device capable of defining and projecting the different work zones, will be described.

According to one aspect, the device comprises at least one image detector and the working areas are defined according to an image acquired of the material by means of said image detector and processed by the control unit.

In one aspect, the projector can be configured to project the profiles corresponding to the unique work areas separately from each other, wherein the control unit is adapted to allow the selection of a specific profile and therefore the switching of the projection from one profile to the projection of a different profile, and wherein said control unit is further adapted to control the lighting system according to the specific projected profile.

For example, the control unit may be further configured to control the lighting system so as to turn off, or maintain at reduced intensity, light sources of the lighting system corresponding to (i.e. adapted to illuminate) work areas not projected, for example areas which have previously been linked to specific light sources by means of the central unit.

According to one aspect, the projected profiles can be square or rectangular in shape.

According to one aspect, the work surface can be equipped with movement means adapted to allow the movement of the material in a direction of movement, and the device can comprise means for allowing the actuation of the movement means according to a user input.

In one aspect, the control unit can be configured to define the size of the base of the square or rectangular shape of the projected profile (i.e. the side extending along a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement) as a function of the shape of the material (in particular as a function of the extension of the material in said direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement), and to adjust the size of the height of said square or rectangular shape of the profile projected (i.e. from one side extending along the direction of movement) based on the movement of the material along the direction of movement.

Of course, the profile does not have to be a closed shape (i.e. the square or rectangular shape above), but it can also be a line extending in a direction (e.g. transverse) relative to the direction of movement and which is dynamically adapted according to the movement of the material, thereby defining the various working zones (horizontal zones) while the material moves.

According to one aspect, the device can be an inspection machine (in particular, leather) comprising at least one image detector (in particular, a plurality of detectors, for example the aforementioned detectors which have been defined before for the subdivision into the different work areas) adapted to acquire images of a tissue (of the material, i.e. its surface) on the work plane, in which the control unit is configured to process the images acquired by said image detectors and to generate a digital copy of the inspected material (for example leather). Optionally, a signaling element adapted to indicate defects on the surface of the material may also be present.

The control unit may further be configured to correlate defects on the material indicated by said signaling element with the acquired image of the material, or to automatically process the image and detect defects without user notification, in both cases with the possible generation of a report indicating at least the shape and position of the defects on said inspected material, that is to say the surface defects.

In one embodiment, the projector may comprise at least one laser projector, said laser projector being adapted to project, in addition to the profile, also defects in the material identified by the operator in the work area corresponding to the profile which has been projected through the signaling element. The projected elements can thus be profiles and even defects.

According to one aspect, the control unit can be configured to define a plurality of cutting zones (quality zones) on the digitized image, the type, number and position of said cutting zones being defined and optimized according to the information acquired by said control unit during inspection of the material.

The characteristics and advantages of the device according to the invention will emerge from the description given below, of an embodiment thereof given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings.

In these drawings:

there shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

there shows a front view of the device from the ;

there shows a side sectional view of the device of the ;

there shows a detail of the apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

there shows another perspective view of the device of the ;

there shows an example of virtual subdivision of a material into different work areas, and

there shows an example of a projected work area according to one embodiment of the present invention; And

there shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to these figures, a device (or machine) according to the present invention is generally and schematically indicated by the reference number 1.

It should be noted that the figures represent schematic views and are not drawn to scale, but rather they are drawn in such a way as to highlight important features of the invention. Furthermore, in the figures, the different elements are represented schematically, their shape varying depending on the desired application. It should also be noted that in the figures, identical reference numerals refer to elements identical in form or function. Finally, particular characteristics described in relation to an embodiment illustrated in a figure are also applicable to the other embodiments illustrated in the other figures.

It should also be noted that, unless expressly stated, the phases of the process can also be reversed if necessary.

Furthermore, positional references used in the present description, including indications such as lower or upper, above or below, or similar phrases, refer to the functional configuration shown in the figures, and should not in no case be assigned a limiting meaning. In all cases, said references, with reference to the components of the apparatus of the present invention, are used in practice by a person skilled in the art.

To facilitate the following description of the device 1, by way of example two orthogonal directions are identified: a Y direction and an X direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 1 is a machine for inspecting fabrics, in particular leather, for manufacturing clothing, an article of clothing leather, an article of footwear, an article of automobile and furniture, and the like . The device 1 is therefore preferably suitable for the inspection of leather material, even if other materials are obviously possible.

It should also be noted that the teachings of the present invention are not only limited to a fabric inspection apparatus, but they are also applied to a fabric cutting apparatus, in particular leather, as will be detailed by the following. Thus, it is possible to mention that in general the apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus for processing and/or inspecting material to be cut.

In any case, most of the following description illustrates as a preferred non-limiting example an apparatus for inspecting leather, while at the end of the description a brief example of a cutting apparatus will also be provided, the teachings of the invention being the same for said two devices.

Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, the term "sheet" indicates any element of any shape and material (in particular leather), and essentially of two-dimensional size, having a certain thickness (generally reduced), to be inspected. / processed through device 1, also unrolled from a roll. In general, said material is also indicated as a flat material, obviously without limiting the shape or composition thereof.

Generally speaking, the device 1 comprises a control unit C, comprising an appropriate memory unit (indicated by the reference MEM) and programmed for and in charge of the automatic management and its control in an appropriate manner. The control unit C may for example be a computerized unit which is integrated into or external to the device 1 and functionally connected thereto. Furthermore, it should be noted that the control unit C may be a single control unit, or may comprise a plurality of local and/or remote units. The control unit C is therefore capable of controlling the device 1 in order to obtain its automated operation. In any case, the present invention is in no way limited by the architecture used for the control unit C, which can in general be any suitable computerized unit, comprising one or more units (possibly also comprising components for operator interaction, such as screens, buttons, and the like) arranged in any manner depending on needs and/or circumstances. It is further noted that, in the context of the present invention, even the user selection and interaction means can be considered as part of the control unit C.

As illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5, the apparatus 1 of the present invention comprises a work plane 2 (also called work table) adapted to provide a support plane (indicated by the reference α) for the material to be inspected. The work plan 2 preferably has a quadrangular plan (even more preferably rectangular), even if it is not limited to a particular shape.

Generally speaking, the term work surface 2, as it is known in the field, indicates the structure which supports the sheet of material to be cut, said surface preferably being equipped with at least two opposite sides of upper extension. 2a and at least two opposite sides of lower extension 2b (even more preferably rectangular or at least defining a rectangular work surface), and having a certain thickness, the term side therefore indicating a part of the lateral edge of the work surface . Of course, although the rectangular shape is preferred, other shapes, in which two major opposite sides and two minor opposite sides (for example trapezoidal, or even with more than four sides) are present, are not excluded. Square shapes are not excluded, having in any case two pairs of opposite sides, wherein the sides of the first pair of opposite sides are adjacent to the sides of the second pair of opposite sides.

In use, the operator rests on one side of the work surface 2 free of clutter, for example one of the upper extension sides.

In case of worktop 2 of rectangular shape, as shown in the figures, the Y direction (transverse direction of the worktop 2) is parallel to its minor sides, while the X direction (longitudinal direction of the worktop 2) is parallel to its major sides.

The device 1 is equipped with a base 5, for example in the shape of a box, which constitutes the support for the work surface 2 and possibly encloses mechanical and electronic elements auxiliary to the device 1.

As illustrated in the figures, the device 1 further comprises a lighting system 15 to illuminate the work surface 2.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lighting system 15 comprises at least a first set of light sources (identified by the reference number 15' and also called "upper lights 15'" for the sake of simplicity), which are arranged and configured to illuminate the work surface 2 from above, that is to say from an elevated position relative to said work surface 2, and a second set of light sources (identified with the reference number 15 '' and also called "grazing lights 15''" for the sake of simplicity), which are arranged and configured to emit grazing light towards the work surface 2, that is to say with a grazing incidence.

Concerning the upper lights 15', as will also be illustrated below, they are arranged on a support above the work surface 2 (for example to be on a plane above said work surface 2 and possibly parallel to it), and are thus configured to illuminate the work surface 2 from an elevated position relative to it, at a first angle of incidence with said work surface 2, preferably but not limited to 90° (for example an angle between 70° and 110°, to ensure uniform lighting of the work surface from above).

Furthermore, the term "15'' grazing lights" is used here, as known in the field, to indicate a set of light sources emitting incident beams with a low angle relative to the much smaller work surface 2. relative to the angle of incidence of the upper lights 15', for example an angle between 0° (parallel light) and 30°, without however being limited to a particular angle value. A negative angle value, for example between -30° and 0°, also falls within the definition of grazing light according to the present invention; importantly, the angle of incidence is such that it ensures the desired grazing character. Said 15'' grazing lights are arranged at a reduced height of the plan, for example a few centimeters from said work surface 2, while the upper 15' lights are arranged at a much greater height, even more than a meter.

According to the present invention, the grazing lights 15'' are a set of lights which comprise a first plurality of light sources (indicated by the reference number 15''a) arranged at one of the two opposite extension sides upper 2a, in particular at the level of the side opposite to that in which the operator is working, said lights also being indicated as horizontal lights or frontal lights. Suitably, there is also a second plurality of light sources (indicated with the reference number 15''b) arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides of lower extension 2b, preferably (but not necessarily) at said two minor sides, said lights also being indicated as side lights.

All this is very beneficial because some types of defects can only be detected through lights arranged laterally, i.e. on the minor sides of the worktop, while other types of defects (i.e. that is to say defects oriented differently) are only detectable with lights arranged on the side of higher extension, that is to say generally on the side opposite to that where the operator is present. So, having two different types of grazing lights, in addition to the upper lights, is very advantageous and helps detect any type of defects.

In the case of a quadrangular plan, the first plurality of light sources 15''a is arranged at the level of the side opposite to that where the operator is present and the second set of light sources 15''b is arranged at the level d 'at least one of the sides adjacent to said side opposite the operator (side lights).

The second plurality of light sources 15''b is focused to illuminate far away, for example up to 1.5 m, and can include light sources arranged in various substantially parallel rows, and therefore at different heights to illuminate far while keeping an appropriate grazing angle. In one embodiment, light sources arranged in one row are configured to generate a light beam having an angle of incidence with the work plane 2 different from that of the light sources arranged in another row.

In general, each light source can be fixed with its own intensity and can be oriented so as to have its own angle of incidence. Of course, the invention is not limited to a particular arrangement and to a combination of grazing angles and many other configurations are possible.

According to one embodiment, it is possible to adjust the relative intensity (and/or possibly the color temperature) between the first plurality of grazing light sources 15''a and the second plurality of grazing light sources 15''b : for example, to identify "vertical" defects (with reference to plane 2), it may be appropriate to define the intensity of the second plurality of light sources 15''b (that is to say the lateral lights ) greater than that of the first plurality of light sources 15''a (that is to say the frontal lights), while for "horizontal" defects, the opposite applies, taking into account that the effects of said different light sources, at equal intensity, cancel each other out. Of course other parameters of the light sources can also be adjusted, such as the color temperature.

It is therefore possible not only to attenuate the 15'' grazing lights in relation to the 15' upper lights according to different values, but also to attenuate the different grazing lights in relation to each other, as illustrated above, with the great advantage of easily detecting any type of defect. Of course, we can also consider a case in which some light sources are completely off and others are on.

In other words, the device can be configured to allow adjustment (automatically according to a chosen mode or even manually by the operator) of at least the relative intensity and/or the relative color temperature between said pluralities of grazing lights, more generally to allow relative adjustment between the first plurality of light sources and the second plurality of light sources. Thus, this relative adjustment of the grazing lights can be achieved by regulating different parameters (such as intensity and color temperature), but the invention is not limited to these parameters.

Alternatively or in addition, the device is configured to allow relative adjustment of the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources. For example, the control unit can be configured to allow the selective activation of one of the first set of light sources or the second set of light sources (this regulation can also be carried out manually). Furthermore, for example, the control unit can be configured to adjust the relative intensity between the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources, and therefore to attenuate said sets of light sources according to different values (this regulation can also be carried out manually).

All this leads to a very versatile device, improving fault detection.

The aforementioned relative adjustments can be made automatically or manually, and they can be made under the control of the control unit C.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the 15” grazing lights are covered by a covering element and a heat sink is present to prevent them from overheating.

In a preferred embodiment, the lighting system 15 includes a plurality of LEDs, the emitting properties of which are controllable, even though the lights of the device 1 are not limited to a particular type.

The MEM memory unit comprises a plurality of operating instructions, each operating instruction corresponding to a lighting mode of the lighting system 15. For example, the different operating instructions may relate to intensities and/or particular color temperatures of the light sources of the lighting system 15, also providing different relative intensities between the upper lights 15' and the grazing lights 15", for example which can be selected according to the characteristics of the material to be inspected, as will be detailed below -After.

According to the present invention, the apparatus 1 comprises suitable means configured to allow the selection of a lighting mode among the aforementioned stored lighting modes according to needs, so that the control unit C is able to automatically control the lighting system 15 according to said selection.

In this way, the operator can choose the preferred lighting mode by simply choosing from the different stored modes, for example through a panel or any other means of selection (which can be considered as part of the control unit). control C) of device 1.

Of course, in one embodiment, in addition to what has been seen above, manual selection of the lighting mode by the operator is also possible, the operator being able to turn on/off/dim the lights of the system lighting 15 as desired.

In an exemplary embodiment, the MEM memory unit comprises a plurality of previously stored instructions for a respective plurality of leather articles (for example for leather articles of different colors or in general of a different type), each instruction corresponding to a specific lighting mode of the lighting system 15 which is adapted to the bound leather and can be chosen by the control unit C, so that for each leather arranged on the work surface it is possible to choose the most appropriate light configuration, with the control unit C automatically setting all parameters.

For example, in a first lighting mode, the control unit C is configured to define a first intensity and/or color temperature of the lighting system 15, and, in at least a second lighting mode, the The control unit C is configured to define a second intensity and/or color temperature of the lighting system 15 which is different from the first intensity and/or color temperature.

In another example, additionally or alternatively, the control unit C is configured to allow the selective activation of one of the first set of light sources 15' (i.e. the upper lights) and the second set of light sources 15'' (i.e. the grazing lights), as well as it can be configured to adjust the relative intensity of said first set of light sources 15' and said second set of 15'' light sources, for example defining a percentage of relative intensity between said two different light sources. Indeed, there may be situations in which the 15'' grazing lights are not necessary and they can therefore be deactivated, or opposite situations in which the 15' upper lights are not necessary. The possibility of adjusting the relative intensity between the upper 15' lights and the 15'' grazing lights is also very useful: for example, if we wish to identify a very small defect, the 15'' grazing lights will be predominant vis-à-vis -with respect to the upper 15' lights, while in other cases the upper 15' lights will be predominant, and the operator can easily choose the most appropriate lighting mode.

As illustrated in the figures, the lighting system 15 is arranged on a suitable support 9 which, in one example, has the shape of an open box at the side facing the operator, even if any suitable shape is included in the context of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the upper lights 15' are arranged on the upper face of the support 9, while the grazing lights 15'' are arranged on the lateral sides thereof and on the part central vertical.

As seen previously, as for the 15” grazing lights, they are arranged at least along one major side and/or along at least one of the two opposite minor sides of the work surface 2.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the grazing lights 15' comprise a plurality of light sources arranged side by side and a plurality of respective lenses configured to generate a light beam with a very reduced opening angle (in the example less than 45°, preferably between 5° and 25°). In general, light sources with a very low light beam aperture (less than 45°) are used, or even possibly equipped with additional focusing lenses. This allows the emitted light beam to be very narrow, in which the various light sources placed side by side ensure homogeneous illumination of the work surface 2, and an optimal maximum lighting distance is also ensured so that, as a whole, the grazing lights, arranged side by side, cover substantially the entire work surface 2. In general, the lighting system 15 is configured so that the light is emitted homogeneously from a distance of between 1 and 2 meters , preferably 1 and a half meters. In other words, the form of emission of the lenses associated with the 15'' grazing lights is such that the light is emitted with a reduced opening angle and up to a distance of approximately one and a half meters, in which the long side of worktop 2 is about three meters and the short side is about one and a half meters. As a result, all of the plurality of light sources side by side (in particular LEDs) cover substantially the entire work surface 2 and allow excellent visibility.

As mentioned previously, in a preferred application illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the apparatus 1 is an inspection machine which comprises at least one image detector (preferably a plurality of image detectors indicated in Figures 4 and 5 with the reference number 30) adapted to acquire images of a fabric (in particular leather) on the work surface 2, in which the control unit C is configured to process the images acquired by said detectors d 'image 30 and to generate a digital copy of the inspected fabric (and therefore substantially to digitize the leather to be analyzed).

In this embodiment, the device 1 also optionally comprises a signaling element 31 adapted to be used by the operator to indicate defects on the surface of the leather. For example, the signaling element 31 can be in the form of a pen and can be equipped with a lighting element which can be detected by the image detectors 30, the coordinates of the movement of said lighting element being calculated by the control unit C, so as to precisely identify the position of the faults indicated by the operator and to store said information. In addition, instead of the lighting element a radio system, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc., capable of delivering information to the control unit C may be present.

The control unit C is then configured to correlate the defects on the fabric indicated by the signaling element 31 with the acquired image of the leather, with the possibility of generating a report indicating at least the shape and position of the defects on said fabric.

Additionally, the control unit C can be configured to recognize the position, shape and/or extent of the leather surface defect based on the coordinates of the movement of the lighting element.

The control unit C may be operably connected to a memory unit (for example, but not necessarily, the MEM memory unit above) adapted to contain at least the scanned image of the inspected leather and the report generated indicating leather defects. For example, the memory unit may be a cloud unit that a user can access remotely through a specific application and/or a specific address.

In addition or as a variant, the signaling element 31 may not be present, and the defects can be indicated with chalks (or any other appropriate means) directly on the material to be inspected, after acquisition of the images of the fabric, said images being processed by the control unit C.

Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 1 is capable of acquiring images of the tissue and the control unit C is configured to automatically detect, based on the images acquired, the presence and position of possible defects, for example by following certain procedures which are a function of automatic learning, for example the exploitation of neural networks.

Furthermore, as is known in the field, the control unit C is configured to define a plurality of cutting zones on the digitized image (also called quality zones), in which the type, number and position said cutting zones are defined and optimized according to the information acquired by the control unit C during inspection of the leather. In other words, quality zones are automatically defined on the images obtained based on the defects identified by the operator.

It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the control unit C can also be subdivided into two separate processing units, one for lighting management and one for fault management, but of course the present invention does not is not limited, and many other embodiments are possible, for example it is possible to provide a single computerized unit.

In one embodiment, the work surface 2 can optionally be inclined, if necessary, by appropriate lifting means. Furthermore, it should be noted that in this embodiment in which the device 1 is an inspection machine, the work surface 2 is not fixed, but it is substantially a conveyor belt moved by rollers R, thus making it possible to move the fabric arranged thereon (in particular in the Y direction), said fabric being suitably digitized during sliding.

Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 1 comprises at least a first projector 20 and a second projector 21 for projecting elements onto the work surface 2 (for example to project the defects identified by the operator and subsequently stored, or other useful information), in which the control unit C is functionally connected to the first projector 20 and the second projector 21 and comprises actuation means configured to allow the selective activation of a among the first projector 20 or the second projector 21. Suitably, in this embodiment, the control unit C is configured to control the lighting system 15 depending on the activated projector, in particular it is configured to automatically switch the lighting system 15 between a first lighting mode when the first projector 20 is chosen, and a second lighting mode when the second projector 21 is chosen.

In particular, the first projector 20 comprises at least one laser source and the second projector 21 is a video projector. Even more particularly, the control unit C is configured to modify the intensity of the light emitted by the lighting system 15 when switching between the first lighting mode and the second lighting mode, and Conversely. In this way, it is possible to adapt the lighting system 15 to the projector used, in which, in certain applications, it is more convenient to use the first laser projector 20, while in other applications it is more convenient to use the second video projector 21.

As indicated previously, the first projector 20 and the second projector 21 are adapted to project the profile of the defect identified on the leather, a defect which is then directly visualized on the inspected material, thus facilitating the inspection task. The operator therefore has the opportunity to switch between the first laser projector 20 and the second video projector 21 as needed, and the lighting will be adjusted accordingly by the control unit C as described above, so as to to always guarantee optimal vision of the defect projected on the material. Furthermore, once the different quality zones above have been defined, one of the above projectors, preferably the second video projector 21 (which is capable of also projecting color and/or color images). other information), can be adapted to project said quality zones onto the leather, so as to have a direct vision of them on the material.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 1, through the image detectors 30 (or, less preferably, through at least one suitable camera/video camera), is configured to take a photo ( or in some cases to acquire a video) of the inspected material, thus making a digital image of the leather as illustrated above, for example to be stored in the machine's memory. It is recommended that, in the short time necessary to acquire the aforementioned image, the parameters of the lighting system 15 and the image detectors 30 are correctly defined so as to allow correct acquisition and thus ensure the proper functioning of the detectors themselves.

Advantageously, the control unit C is configured to allow switching of the lighting system 15 at least between a first operating mode, which involves lighting adapted to allow optimal inspection of the tissues by the operator (and in which no image of the leather is taken), and a second mode of operation, which involves lighting adapted to allow the acquisition of images and/or videos by means of the image detectors 30 above. In particular, by means of an appropriate command, the user controls the control unit C to take a photo of the leather (or more generally to take photos/videos of the leather on the work surface 2) and the unit control C is configured to adjust the lighting system 15 accordingly (in a mode indicated in jargon as "technical light"), for example by lowering the light intensity to avoid saturation of the detectors. The detector parameters are stored in the MEM memory unit of the control unit C and are optimized (and fixed) according to the lighting chosen for the second operating mode where the photo is taken, said parameters being precisely applied to the image detectors 30 and no longer being modified in the switching between the two different operating modes, since it is the lighting system 15 itself which is automatically adapted accordingly.

As mentioned previously, this applies analogously when one wishes to make a video, notably with the conveyor belt in motion to scan the tachometer strip on the edge of this conveyor belt in order to determine the exact positioning of the belt when of the displacement and possibly apply a correction factor. Even in this case, under operator control, the correct parameters of the lighting system 15 are defined automatically by the control unit C in the second operating mode, said parameters corresponding to the parameters defined for the acquisition of the photo (even if specific parameters can be considered for acquiring the video of the tachometer strip).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second mode of operation is automatically activated when an appropriate control (for example a pedal) which moves the work surface 2 is activated, with the acquisition of images and video above. Furthermore, it should be noted that, in one embodiment, the video camera dedicated to acquiring the video is one of the image detectors 30, which is simultaneously used to produce said video.

Furthermore, it should be noted that in the case of defect inspection machines, the work surface 2 can be tilted or raised depending on the needs of the user.

The management of the device 1 by the user can occur for example by means of a control panel 12, equipped with a screen and buttons, functionally connected to the control unit C (possibly, as mentioned previously , said panel can also be considered as part of the control unit C, for example an end element thereof, with which the user can enter certain inputs). Optionally, the device 1 can also be provided with a control monitor 35 and control video cameras, said components being supported by the support 9.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the control unit C is configured to subdivide the work plan (and more particularly the material to be inspected) into different work zones Wa, and it is envisaged that the operator works from time to time in a single working area, which is visualized through one of the projectors, in particular through the laser projector 21. It should be noted that in this embodiment, it is not necessary to have two different types of projectors, but only one of them is sufficient, for example (but not limited to) one or more laser projectors.

In particular, the control unit C is configured in an appropriate manner (by execution of the steps of an appropriate algorithm) to define a plurality of work zones (identified with the same reference Wa) according to which the material M arranged on the work plan 2 is virtually subdivided. For example, once the material M has been placed on the work surface 2 and an image has been acquired (for example through the image detectors 30, or even, less preferably, through detectors dedicated), said material M is virtually and automatically subdivided into a plurality of work zones (for example three, even if any number falls within the scope of the present invention), as shown in the schematic example of the , said work areas then being projected onto the material, in particular each of them individually, as indicated in the example of the . Said zones can be equal to each other or even different, the separation being carried out by the control unit C in the most appropriate manner.

The projector 21 is thus configured to project onto the work plane 2, under the control of the control unit C, profiles (indicated with the reference Wap) corresponding to the work areas Wa above, each Wap profile being adapted to allow a single work zone to be identified in relation to the other work zones.

As mentioned previously, in one embodiment, the projector 21 is configured to project the Wap profiles corresponding only to the working areas Wa separately from each other, that is to say they are not projected together but it there is a selection of the profile to project; for this purpose, the device 1, in particular the control unit C, is adapted to allow switching from the projection of a profile to the projection of a different profile (for example to a profile corresponding to a zone of adjacent work); this can happen automatically or even by manual selection by the user who chooses this profile to project, or even according to a movement of the material in a direction of movement. It should therefore be noted that unique profiles are preferably projected.

For example, each profile is projected at a certain work phase, for example depending on the progress of the inspection by the operator. In one example, the operator chooses the work area, and the relative profile is projected and, once the inspection is completed, the operation chooses another work area and the previously chosen work area is indicated as already inspected, so as not to inspect areas already inspected. Of course, the selection of work areas can also occur automatically, based on a predefined work sequence.

In one embodiment, if desired, all profiles can also be projected together.

Suitably, in one embodiment, the control unit C is configured to control the lighting system 15 based on the specific projected Wap profile. For example, the control unit C can be programmed to control the lighting system 15 so as to turn off, or maintain at a reduced intensity, light sources of the lighting system 15 corresponding to non-projected work areas ( for example close to the unchosen work zone, by means of a correspondence defined by the control unit C), and thus to correctly illuminate the only work zone Wa of interest.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the Wap projected profiles are square or rectangular in shape, although any suitable shape falls within the scope of the present invention.

For example, once the image of the material has been taken through the image detectors 30, said image is processed and the entire material M is inscribed in a rectangle (or any other appropriate shape), and subsequently the control unit C divides into the different work zones Wa.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the work surface 2 is equipped with means (not illustrated such as for example the conveyor belt previously mentioned in connection with the technical light), adapted to allow the movement of the material in a direction of movement ( indicated with the arrow Dir, for example parallel to the Y direction), said means being actuated by inputs from the operator (which can act on appropriate means such as for example a pedal).

Appropriately, the central unit C is configured to define in advance the size of the base of the Wap profile, depending on the shape of the material (for example inscribing the material into a single theoretical rectangle or square and after division, as previously described), in particular as a function of the extension of the material M in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement Dir (extension of the side of the rectangle in which the material is inscribed), and to adjust the size of the height of said profile Wap projected as a function of the movement of the material M according to the direction of movement Dir (in other words, as the material moves, the side corresponding to the profile, in particular the side parallel to the direction of movement Dir, is also adjusted).

Furthermore, there may be cases in which there is no "vertical" subdivision into various work areas (i.e. along the minor side of the work table), but possibly only a "horizontal" subdivision (i.e. only a line parallel to the major side of the table), which is updated as the belt moves. In all cases, the profile projected to delimit the work area could be a simple horizontal line placed at a certain distance from the operator, whose position is defined according to the movement of the belt (the two vertical lines are not necessary because we work over the entire width of the work surface and the lower line is not necessary because the area is well delimited by the end of the work surface near the operator (long side close to the operator) .

We therefore note that the term “profile” does not necessarily indicate a closed shape, but a simple line is also included in the meaning of this term.

In the case of a fabric inspection device, the projector 21 comprises at least one laser projector, said laser projector being adapted to project, in addition to the Wap profile, also the defects (indicated with the reference S) of the identified material by the operator within the working area Wa through the signaling element 31. In this way, only the defects marked in the specific selected working area are projected, thus avoiding confusion for the operator, who There is more doubt about which area of the material has been inspected and which has not. Thus, the projector can be configured to project various elements including profiles and defects within profiles.

Of course, this solution is independent of the particular lighting configuration and can be implemented in a common device which simply includes any lighting system and any spotlight. Therefore, the present invention also relates to a device 1 which is simply equipped with the projection functionality described above, regardless of the configuration of the lighting system 15 and its control.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the work surface 2 is configured to be raised/lowered/tilted as necessary. Height/tilt adjustment can be stored and chosen based on operator/equipment.

In this embodiment, the device 1 may comprise a fixed lower part (for example comprising the base) and a movable upper part, comprising at least the work surface 2, the lighting and image detection system, in particular said upper part, which can be raised/lowered relative to the base while maintaining the distances between the lights/video cameras and the work surface equal. The same goes for the inclination (slope) of the work surface: the aforementioned upper part is tiltable as a whole, therefore not only the work surface, but also the lights and video cameras. These movements can be controlled through the control unit C.

Finally, as mentioned previously, in an alternative and less preferred embodiment, illustrated in the , the device 1 can be a cutting machine comprising at least one cutting unit or head 3 adapted to cut the material, in particular leather, arranged on the work surface 2. In this embodiment, the device 1 can be a so-called cutting bench and can include the work surface 2 adapted to provide a support plane or a working surface for the sheet of material to be cut. The work surface 2 preferably has a quadrangular plan (even more preferably substantially rectangular) and the cutting unit 3 carried by at least one arm or radius 4 acts on it. The work surface 2 is preferably a fixed surface on which the material to be cut is placed and is free from obstruction along at least two parallel sides of higher extension. In this case, the direction the present invention, the arm 4 to slide along the minor sides of the work surface 2 or in any other way, and therefore the direction Y to be the sliding direction, the present invention not being limited to one direction particular sliding of the arm 4.

Of course, all the aspects explained above in connection with the lighting system 15 and its control, also apply to the cutting machine described above, with the necessary precautions, and this is the reason why the same reference numbers are used.

In this embodiment, the support 9 can have an architrave shape supported by uprights 9a and the upper lights 15' and the projectors 20 and 21 are placed thereon; the grazing lights 15'' are rather placed at the level of the work surface 2. Appropriately, the control of the lighting system 15 takes place as described above in relation to the inspection machine, that is to say i.e. the most appropriate lighting mode is defined according to the material and/or the operation to be carried out.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the teachings of the present description obviously also apply to a cutting machine with the conveyor belt and a closed cutting zone.

Of course, the present invention also provides a general system derived by the combination of the cutting machine and the fabric inspection machine described above, for example arranged in sequence, with any suitable mechanical structure.

In conclusion, the present invention thus makes it possible to brilliantly overcome the technical problem, by providing the above apparatus and by solving all the disadvantages of the prior art.

Advantageously, it is possible to obtain optimized lighting control without modifying the mechanical and electronic structure of the device in any way, since the components used are substantially unchanged and only a simple control is added to the control unit , which is thus capable of automatically carrying out the automatic adjustment of the lighting system according to the needs indicated by the operator.

The possibility of adjusting the different grazing lights between them is very advantageous because it makes it possible to identify any orientation fault in the plan, by simply regulating these grazing lights as desired.

Finally, the ability to divide the material into various work areas is very advantageous as it avoids confusion by the operator regarding which part of the material has already been inspected and which has not; so this is a simple but very effective solution to solve this problem and make inspection easier.

Of course, a person skilled in the art, to meet particular needs and specifications, can make several changes and modifications to the apparatus described above, all included within the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (22)

1 Apparatus (1) for the inspection and/or treatment of a material, in particular leather, comprising:
- a work surface (2) adapted to provide a support surface for the material, said work surface (2) having at least a first pair of opposite sides (2a) and at least a second pair of opposite sides (2b) ;
- a control unit (C) designed to manage the device (1); And
- a lighting system (15) comprising at least:
- a first set of light sources (15') which are arranged and configured to illuminate the work surface (2) from an elevated position relative to said work surface (2), at a first angle of incidence with said work surface (2); And
- a second set of light sources (15'') which are arranged and configured to emit grazing light towards the work surface (2), at a second angle of incidence with said work surface (2), said second angle of incidence being less than the first angle of incidence,
wherein the second set of light sources (15'') comprises a first plurality of light sources (15''a) arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides (2a) of the first pair of opposite sides , and a second plurality of light sources (15''b) arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides (2b) of the second pair of opposite sides. 2 Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to allow relative adjustment between the first plurality of light sources (15''a) and the second plurality of light sources (15''b), for example by adjusting the relative intensity and/or color temperature between said light sources. 3 Apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured to allow relative adjustment of the first set of light sources (15') and the second set of light sources (15''). 4 Apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that it is configured to allow the selective activation of one of the first set of light sources (15') or the second set of light sources (15'') , and/or is configured to adjust the relative intensity between said first set of light sources (15') and said second set of light sources (15''). 5 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (C) comprises a memory unit (MEM) comprising a plurality of operating instructions, each operating instruction corresponding to a mode d lighting of said lighting system (15), and wherein said apparatus (1) further comprises means configured to allow the selection of a lighting mode from said stored lighting modes, said control unit (C ) being configured to control the lighting system (15) according to said selection. 6 Apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein the memory unit (MEM) comprises a plurality of operating instructions stored for a respective plurality of materials, each instruction corresponding to a specific lighting mode of the lighting system (15), said lighting mode suitable for the respective material and can be selected using the control unit (C). 7 Apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein, in a first lighting mode, the control unit (C) is configured to define a first intensity and/or color temperature of the lighting system (15) , and in which, in at least a second lighting mode, the control unit (C) is configured to define a second intensity and/or color temperature of the lighting system (15) which is different from the first color intensity and/or temperature. 8 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting system (15) comprises a plurality of LEDs. 9 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second set of light sources (15'') comprises, at the level of the respective side(s) of the work surface (2), a plurality of light sources arranged side by side and a plurality of respective lenses configured to generate a light beam having an opening angle between 5° and 25°. 10 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second set of light sources (15'') comprises, at the respective side(s) of the work surface (2), a plurality of light sources configured to generate a light beam having an angle of incidence with the work plane (2) of between 0 and 30°. 11 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second set of light sources (15'') comprises a plurality of light sources arranged in at least two substantially parallel rows, and in which, optionally, sources light sources arranged in one row are configured to generate a light beam having an angle of incidence with the work surface (2) which is different compared to the angle of incidence of light sources arranged in another row. 12 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sides of the first pair of opposite sides (2a) are sides of upper extension, and the sides of the second pair of opposite sides (2b) are sides of lower extension, in which the first plurality of light sources (15''a) is arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides (2a) of upper extension, and in which the second plurality of light sources (15''b) is arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides (2b) of lower extension, said work surface (2) preferably having a rectangular shape. 13 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one image detector (30) adapted to acquire images and/or videos of the material on the work surface (2), in which the control unit (C) is configured to allow switching of the lighting system (15) at least between a first mode of operation, which is adapted to allow inspection of the material by the operator, and a second mode of operation , which is adapted to enable the acquisition of images and/or videos by means of said detector image (30) and which corresponds to a different setting of the lighting system (15), in which the optimal operating parameters said at least one image detector (30) are optimized with respect to the setting of the lighting system (15) in said second operating mode, and in which, in switching between the first operating mode and the second operating mode operation, said parameters of the image detector (30) are not modified. 14 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one projector (20, 21) adapted to project elements onto the work surface (2). 15 Apparatus (1) according to claim 14, wherein the control unit (C) is configured to define a plurality of work zones (Wa) according to which the material (M) arranged on the work surface (2) is virtually subdivided, and in which the projector (20, 21) is configured to project onto the work plane (2) profiles (Wap) corresponding to said work areas (Wa), each of said profiles (Wap) being adapted to identify a single work area compared to other work areas. 16 Apparatus (1) according to claim 15, wherein the projector (20, 21) is configured to project the profiles (Wap) corresponding to the individual work areas (Wa) separately from each other, wherein the control unit (C ) is adapted to allow the selection of a specific profile and therefore the switching from the projection of one profile to the projection of a different profile, and in which said control unit (C) is further adapted to control the lighting system (15) in function of the specific projected profile (Wap). 17 Apparatus (1) according to claim 16, wherein the control unit (C) is further configured to control the lighting system (15) so as to turn off, or maintain at a reduced intensity, light sources of the lighting system ( 15) which correspond to non-projected work areas. 18 Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, in which:
- the projected profiles (Wap) have a square or rectangular shape,
- the work surface (2) is equipped with movement means configured to allow the movement of the material in a direction of movement (Dir),
- the apparatus (1) comprises means for enabling actuation of the movement means based on user input, and
- the control unit (C) is configured to define the size of one side of said square or rectangular shape of the projected profile (Wap), said side extending along a direction (D) opposite to the direction displacement (Dir), as a function of the extension of the material (M) along said direction (D), and to adjust the size of one side of said square or rectangular shape of the projected profile (Wap), said side extending along the direction of movement (Dir), according to the movement of the material (M) along said direction of movement (Dir). 19 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is an inspection machine comprising a plurality of image detectors (30) adapted to acquire images of the material on the work surface (2), in which the detection unit control (C) is configured to process the images acquired by said image detectors (30) and to generate a digital copy of the inspected material. Apparatus (1) according to claim 19, comprising a signaling element (31) adapted to indicate defects on the surface of the material, wherein the control unit (C) is further configured to correlate defects on the material indicated by said signaling element (31) with the acquired image of the material, with possible generation of a report indicating at least the shape and position of the defects on said material. 21 Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 18 and according to claim 20, wherein the projector (21) comprises at least one laser projector, said laser projector being adapted to project, in addition to the profile (Wap), also material defects identified by the operator in the corresponding work zone (Wa) through the signaling element (31). 22 Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it is a cutting machine comprising at least one cutting unit (3) adapted to cut the material arranged on the work surface (2).