JP6804976B2 - A method for generating trace information for manufacturing objects such as gas cylinders - Google Patents

Description

The subject matter of the present invention is understood to mean a generic pressure vessel or a portable container that can be used to store gas under a given pressure, such as a gas cylinder. , A method and apparatus for generating tracing information for solids formed from metals, synthetic materials, or natural materials.

The gas cylinder of interest is made of metal, eg steel, starting from a sheet of metal reel, tube, or unrefined piece cut from a billet and formed by the following steps: ..
-Multiple deformation steps that change both the shape of the piece and the mechanical features to the desired shape and material features,
Multiple check and selection processes for identifying and / or disposing of pieces whose checked features do not correspond to a given target feature,
-In the case of composite gas cylinders, as an option, for example, the assembly process to complete the gas cylinder, bending and hardening the accessories or filaments.
-Optionally, a finishing process such as coloring the finished gas cylinder.

To be able to see production batches of raw material (sheet-shaped metal reels, tubes or billets commonly supplied by external feeders to the manufacturing site of gas cylinders). It is known to equip every raw piece of a production batch with an initial mark with a batch code of a stamped letter and number combination that identifies such a production batch after the modification process. ..

It is also known that after the modification process, each unique gas cylinder manufactured is equipped with a unique final mark with an identification code for a combination of stamped letters and numbers that identifies the unique gas cylinder. ing.

Thus, during the checking and selection process, for example, during the expansion test of fluid pressure or volume measurement of the gas cylinder, the cylinder identification code is stored in the database and the test result is associated with the identification code. However, it is possible.

Thus, known methods and systems allow both production batches of raw material and fluid pressure tests to be traced and associated with their own unique gas cylinders.

In fact, in the technical field of gas cylinders, it is known that the technical characteristics of the unique gas cylinder largely depend on the characteristics of the raw material. Here, the inherent metallurgical modification steps (heat treatment and deformation) may be immediately considered based on the results of appropriate tests performed on the finished gas cylinder, eg, capacitance expansion test.

Moreover, in the prior art, all pieces from the same production batch are considered to be the same and processed in the same process, so during the metallurgical change test, unique raw pieces, or unique pieces. The need to identify semi-finished cylinders in is not considered.

We recognize the generally accepted idea that the inherent metallurgical modification process, namely the effects of heat treatment and deformation, can be immediately considered by the positive or negative results of proper testing of gas cylinders. However, the inventor of the present application identifies or identifies gas cylinders that are already in use, according to a more specific and aggregated correct assessment of the production batch of raw material, as this is a technical prejudice. I believe that we are eliminating the possibility of grouping.
In fact, for example, in the case of a virtual withdrawal from the service of gas cylinders installed in gas-powered vehicles or other uses, withdrawal is common to all cylinders throughout the production batch of raw material. Will need to be extended to. To this end, it may be useful to be able to limit the total number of cylinders required, based on a more detailed "manufacturing history" of each unique gas cylinder.

Thus, an object of the present invention is to create methods and systems for generating trace information of solids made of metal, resin, or natural materials, such as pressure vessels, or gas cylinders. The methods and systems identify and group together objects, eg, gas cylinders, based on one or more manufacturing conditions, such as selection parameters, and unique objects, eg, gases. It has features such as reconstructing a more detailed manufacturing history for each unique object, eg, the gas cylinder being manufactured, so that the cylinders can be selectively intervened.

This and other objectives are achieved by the method of claim 1.

According to one aspect of the present invention,
The unprocessed pieces, eg, metal pieces, and solids having the desired shape and material properties are subjected to the unprocessed transformation steps, eg, to obtain a cylinder body. It is a process of bringing a piece, and the change process is
A) One or more heat treatment steps that change the mechanical properties of the piece, and / or B) A step that includes one or more deformation steps that change the shape of the piece.
A solid material produced by, for example, a step of bringing the raw piece or a solid material obtained from the raw piece to at least one control step of the cylinder body, for example, a metal cylinder. A method for generating trace information for a gas cylinder, equipped with a body.

This method
-Before the one or more modification steps, a step of giving a unique marking (individual marking) having a unique piece identification code to the raw piece, and a step of giving the raw piece.
-The process of reading the unique mark given to the raw piece and storing the read identification code in the database.
-During at least one of the changing steps, or during the controlling step, the identification code of the piece or solid matter obtained from this, for example, the cylinder body, is marked with a unique mark and one of the changing steps or A process of identifying by reading a plurality of process parameters or the association between the result of the control process and the identification code.
-It includes a process of storing the process parameter of the change process or the result of the control process and the association with the identification code in the database.

Reconstructing the manufacturing history of each unique gas cylinder in great detail by marking with a single piece identification code and associating heat treatment and / or deformation process parameters or test results with a single piece. It is thus possible to identify individual gas cylinders in the desired way, based on specific selection parameters.

In order to better understand the invention of the present application and to evaluate its effect, some, but not limited, exemplary embodiments thereof are described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a process for manufacturing a gas cylinder with a metal cylinder body from raw pieces cut from a sheet-shaped metal reel. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the process for manufacturing a gas cylinder with a metal cylinder body from raw pieces cut from a tube. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the process for manufacturing a gas cylinder with a metal cylinder body from raw pieces cut from billets. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the additional steps of filament bending and curing in one of the processes of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system for generating trace information for one gas cylinder in the processes of FIGS. 1 to 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a unique mark used in a method for generating trace information for a gas cylinder, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the unique mark of FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the optical detector of the system according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front view of the optical detector of FIG. FIG. 10 is a side view of the optical detector of FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the optical detector of FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the optical detector according to a further embodiment.

Referring to the figure, for example, a gas cylinder 1 having a metal cylinder body 2 made of steel forms a cylinder body 2 having a step of preparing a raw piece 3 and a desired shape and material characteristics. As such, it can be manufactured by a step of bringing this raw piece into multiple modification steps.

The changing step includes one or more heat treatment steps for changing the mechanical characteristics of the piece 3 and one or more deformation steps for changing the shape of the piece 3. With reference to the example of FIG. 1, which shows the production of a gas cylinder 1 from a raw piece 3 cut from a sheet of metal 4, the heat treatment step is one or more annealing steps 5, and / or one or It may include a plurality of quenching and tempering steps 6. The deformation step may include one or more of the following steps.
・ Cold deep drawing 7,
・ Flow forming 8
・ Neck spinning 9 of nozzle 10 of cylinder body 2
・ Sandblast 22 of cylinder body 2,
-Neck thread cutting 11 of the nozzle 10.

With reference to the example of FIG. 2, which shows the production of a gas cylinder 1 with a raw piece 3 cut from a tube 12, the heat treatment step may include one or more quenching and tempering steps 6. The deformation step may include one or more of the following steps.
-For example, base spinning 13 by ogive spinning,
-Base molding and inner finishing 14 for forming the base of the cylinder body 2,
・ Flow homing 8
・ Neck spinning 9 of nozzle 10 of cylinder body 2
・ Sandblast 22 of cylinder body 2,
-Neck thread cutting 11 of the nozzle 10.

With reference to the example of FIG. 3, which shows the production of the gas cylinder 1 with the raw pieces 3 cut from the billet 15, the heat treatment step may include one or more quenching and tempering steps 6. The transformation step may include one or more of the following steps:
・ Cupping and hot drilling 16,
・ Reduction of wall thickness 17
・ Neck spinning 9 of nozzle 10 of cylinder body 2
・ Sandblast 22 of cylinder body 2,
-Neck thread cutting 11 of the nozzle 10.

Further, the modification step may include one or more lubrication cycles 18 specifically associated with the cold deep drawing step 7.

According to the present invention, the method for generating trace information for the gas cylinder 1 is
-Before the changing steps 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 17, 18, and 22 of the piece 3, a unique mark 19 having the identification code 20 of the single piece 3 is unprocessed. The process of preparing for the piece and
A process of reading the unique mark 19 given to the raw piece 3 and storing the read identification code 20 in the database 21.
-The unique mark 19 of the piece 3 is read during at least one of the changing steps 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 17, 18 and 22, and the changing steps 5, 6, 7 , 8, 9, 11, 14, 17, 18, 22 to identify the individual code 20 of piece 3 by associating one or more process parameters with the read identification code.
-It has a step of storing the operation parameters of the changing steps 5, 6, ... 22 and the association with the identification code 20 in the database.

By associating a single piece identification code with the heat treatment and / or deformation process parameters with the single piece identification code, a unique gas cylinder in a manner that has also been criticized based on specific selection parameters. It is possible to reconstruct the manufacturing history of each unique gas cylinder in relatively detail so as to identify.

In one embodiment, this method
-The unique mark 19 of the piece 3 is read during at least one of the deformation steps 7,8,9,11,14,17,18,22 of the piece 3, and the deformation steps 7,8,9,11,14. , 17, 18, 22 to identify the identification code 20 of piece 3 by associating one or more process parameters with the read identification code.
-A step of storing the operation parameters of the change steps 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 17, 18, and 22 and the association with the read identification code 20 in the database 21.
-Reading the unique mark 19 of the piece 3 during at least one of the heat treatment steps 5 and 6 of the piece 3 and associating one or more process parameters of the heat treatment steps 5 and 6 with the read identification code 20. The process of identifying the identification code 20 of the piece 3 and
The process includes a step of storing the operation parameters of the heat treatment steps 5 and 6 and the association with the read identification code 20 in the database 21.

This allows the distinction between individual gas cylinders based on both the process parameters of the deformation process and the process parameters of the heat treatment process during the change of the raw piece 3 to the cylinder body 2. ..

According to a further embodiment, the metal cylinder body 2 obtained from the raw piece 3 undergoes a hardness test 23. This method
-During the hardness test step 23, the identification code 20 of the cylinder body 2 is read by reading the unique mark 19 of the cylinder body 2 and associating the result of the hardness test 23 with the read identification code 20. And the process of identifying
It has a step of storing the result of the hardness test 23 and the association with the read identification code 20 in the database 21.

According to yet another embodiment, the metal cylinder body 2 obtained from the raw piece 3 undergoes a non-destructive testing step of one or more features. This method
-During the non-destructive test process, the identification code 20 of the cylinder body 2 is identified by reading the unique mark 19 of the cylinder body 2 and associating the result of the non-destructive test with the read identification code 20. And the process to do
-It has a step of storing the result of the non-destructive test and the association with the read identification code 20 in the database 21.

The non-destructive testing step is a step of visual inspection of one or more of the raw pieces 3 or the cylinder body 2 obtained from the pieces, and / or ultrasonic inspection of one or more of the cylinder bodies 2. Step 25 may be included.

According to yet another embodiment, the metal cylinder body 2 obtained from the raw piece 3 undergoes a fluid pressure test 26 with or without volume expansion. This method
-During the fluid pressure test step 26, the identification code 20 of the cylinder body 2 is obtained by reading the unique mark 19 of the cylinder body 2 and associating the result of the fluid pressure test with the read identification code 20. The process of identification and
-It has a step of storing the result of the fluid pressure test 26 and the association with the read identification code 20 in the database 21.

According to still other embodiments, the metal cylinder body 2 obtained from the raw piece 3 performs one or more assembly steps to complete the gas cylinder 1, eg, a valve 27 or other attachment. It undergoes the application of objects, or in the case of composite gas cylinders, hardening 28. This method
A step of identifying the identification code 20 of the cylinder body 2 by reading the unique mark 19 of the cylinder body 2 and associating the assembly parameters with the read identification code 20 during the assembly process.
-It has a step of storing the assembly parameters and the association with the read identification code 20 in the database 21.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal cylinder body 2 obtained from the raw piece 3 undergoes one or more finishing steps, eg, coloring 29. This method
-During the finishing process, the process of identifying the identification code 20 of the cylinder body 2 by reading the unique mark 19 of the cylinder body 2 and associating the finishing parameters with the read identification code 20.
-It has a step of storing in the database 21 the association between the finishing parameter and the read identification code 20.

In the description of the method given here, "... between processes" means that the procedural process of this is the cited modification process, test process, assembly of the raw pieces of the cylinder body and gas cylinder. It indicates that the process and the finishing process are performed together with each other, that is, immediately before, during, or immediately after.

The process parameters of heat treatment steps 5 and 6 associated with the identification code 20 are temperature and time values, in particular the temperature curve as a function of time, the identification of the worker on the charge of the workstation and the calibration of the workstation. It may have characteristics, the so-called "setup" of the workstation.

The process parameters of the transformation steps 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 17, 22 associated with the identification code 20 are the work recipe with geometric dimensions, the work and the waiting time, and the stamp / punch / roller advance. Movement speed, absorbed force and / or power, rotation speed of the cylinder body, stamp / punch / roller movement sequence, temperature and time values, especially the temperature curve as a function of time and sandblasting. It may have time and strength, worker identification on workstation charge, and workstation calibration characteristics, the so-called workstation "setup".

The result of the hardness test 23 associated with the identification code 20 may have the detected hardness value and the identification of the worker on the charge of the test station.

The result of the visual inspection 24 associated with the identification code 20 may have an inspection determination, an identification and classification of the found anomalies, and a worker identification on the charge of the inspection station.

The result of the ultraviolet inspection 25 associated with the identification code 20 is a file having an echo diagram, the calibration characteristics of the inspection tool, the judgment of the inspection, the identification and classification of the found abnormality, and the charge of the inspection station. Can have worker identification in.

The result of the ultraviolet inspection 25 associated with the identification code 20 is a file having an echo diagram, the calibration characteristics of the inspection tool, the judgment of the inspection, the identification and classification of the found abnormality, and the charge of the inspection station. Can have worker identification in.

The result of the liquid pressure test associated with the identification code 20 may have a value of volume expansion, a value of pressure and time of application of pressure, and identification of the worker at the charge of the test station.

The assembly parameters associated with the identification code 20 are the characteristics of the valve 27 given and the drive torque of the valve 27, or otherwise the process parameters of the filament winding and curing 28, the identification of the stiffener and the outer reinforcement. It may have values of time and temperature for solidification and curing of the layer, identification of the worker on the charge of the workstation, calibration characteristics of the workstation, and so-called "setup" of the workstation.

The finishing parameters associated with the identification code 20 include the process parameters of coloring 29, such as time and temperature values, the identification of the paint, the identification of the worker on the charge of the workstation, and the calibration characteristics of the workstation. Can have.

Effectively, in addition to the process parameters associated with the identification code 20, the display of the working sequence is, in other words, the next piece treated on the same workstation as the identification code 20 (n-1) of the previous piece. Identification code 20 (n + 1) and the like.

In this way, the gas cylinders that are subject to process anomalies that occur at a given workstation at a given time can be identified in a desired manner.

In a valid embodiment, the unique mark 19 can be a permanent mark so as to reduce the risk of possible identification errors in piece 3. This possible risk, in the case of temporary marks or labels, is the processing of subsequent pieces that partially or totally breaks the temporary marks, subsequent temporary remarks, or piece relabeling. It is to end up.

The unique mark 19 is preferably located in the surface area of the raw piece 3 intended to form the outer surface of the base of the cylinder body 2 and is mechanically punched from the base metal placed on the die. Or it can be formed by laser etching.

The unique mark 19 itself is effectively despite changes in the color, shape and structure of the semi-processed piece 3 and the cylinder body 2 which are not completely processed during the production of the gas cylinder 1. , Set to automatically detect and read.

In fact, according to another aspect of the present invention, the reading of the unique mark 19 of the piece 3 is automatically performed by, for example, a plurality of optical detectors 30. Each of these optical detectors is located in one of a plurality of workstations so as to perform the above-mentioned modification process, test process, assembly process, and finishing process and signal connection with the control unit 31. Has been done.

Similarly, obtaining the association between the process parameter and the identification code 20 of the piece 3 and storing the association with the identification code 20 and the process parameter in the database 21 are also automatically performed by the control unit 31. Can be done.

For this purpose, the control unit 31, for example, a microprocessor with a processor 32, a memory 33, and a user interface 34, is an optical detector 30 and a semi-finished piece 3 which is not completely processed. In addition, it is connected to a plurality of local process controllers 35 that control the process process of the cylinder body 2 so as to perform the following processes.
-Receiving data identifying the piece 3 or the cylinder body 2, for example, one or more digital video files of the unique mark 19 from the optical detector 30.
Decoding the unique mark 19 to obtain the identification code 20 in digital form.
• Data with modified process parameters, if foreseen, assembling and finishing process parameters, and data with test results, local process Receive from controller 35,
• Change process parameters, if foreseen, as well as test results (hereinafter referred to as "process parameters"), as well as data and unique digital identification with assembly and finishing process parameters. Associate with code 20
-The digital identification code 20, the process parameter, and the association of the identification code 20 with the process parameter are stored in the database 21 that can be formed in the memory 33.

The process parameters can be obtained by reading the database of the local process controller 35 or by direct or indirect measurement by one or more process sensors 36.

Instead, the local process controller 35, or the control unit directly associated with the optical detector 30,
-Receiving data for identifying the raw piece or the cylinder body 2, for example, one or more digital video files of the unique mark 19 from the optical detector 30.
-Decoding the unique mark 19 to obtain the identification code 20 in digital form,
-Receiving data, including change process parameters, assembling and finishing process parameters, if foreseen, and test results from the local process controller 35.
The process parameters of the change and, if foreseen, the test results (referred to here as "process parameters"), as well as the assembly and finishing process parameters, and the unique digital identification code 20. To associate with
-The digital identification code 20, the process parameters, and the association of the process parameters with the identification code 20 are set to be sent to the central control unit 31 that stores them in the database 21.

The optical detector 30 may include an illumination means 38, for example, an LED having a condensing lens and a television camera 37. The convergence axis 37F of the television camera 37 and the convergence axis 38F of the lighting means 38 are substantially oriented in the direction of the unique mark 19, and generate and capture an image having a bright region and a dark region that are distinguished from each other. As such, they can be tilted toward each other, if possible, with respect to the central plane of the unique mark 19.

In order to partially magnify the dark area, it is useful to form two images of unique marks 19 with different lighting conditions, eg, different lighting orientations.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of reading the unique mark 19 is to place the light protection housing 43 made of opaque material over the unique mark 19 in order to reduce or avoid exposure of the unique mark 19 by ambient light. The unique mark 19 is illuminated from the inside of the light protection housing 43 by the lighting means 38, and the inside of the light shielding housing is illuminated by, for example, a digital camera, a television camera 37, or other optical detection means. Includes the optical detection of the unique mark 19.

As a result, it is possible to better control and adjust the state of brightness with respect to a better optical direction, and the influence of ambient light, which is difficult to control, on the optical direction and the anagorism of image evaluation. It can be reduced or eliminated altogether.

For this purpose, the light protection housing 43 is smaller than the raw piece or object 2 to be manufactured and is placed on or in contact with the raw piece or object 2 to be manufactured. It has an end aperture 44 applied to, and the dimensions are set so that the end aperture 44 extends over the entire unique mark 19. Thus, the unique mark 19 faces completely inside the light protection housing 43.

The end aperture 44 is substantially flat (the end aperture plane 50 can be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12), and while reading the unique mark 19, the end aperture 44 remains on the unique mark 19. Can be directed parallel to a part of the piece 3 or object 2 that is given or formed. However, it can be understood that the work piece 3 or the object 2 does not necessarily have to be flat and may be bent in the region of the unique mark 19.

In one embodiment (FIG. 12), the optical detector 30 has a tubular, substantially cylindrical light protection housing 43. The optical detector 30 has a first end that supports the television camera 37 or other optical detection means and a second end on the opposite side that forms the end aperture 44. .. This second end extends all around the end aperture 44 and is flexible to apply to the shape of the raw piece or the already completed object 2 near the unique mark 19. It may have a flexible, deformable light-shielding edge 45 that is endowed with properties, such as an elastic lip or brush.

In this embodiment, the lighting means 38, eg, the LED, is at the first end of the light protection housing 43, at least on both sides, or in a ring around the optical detection means, or a ring. It can be arranged and arranged in a shape. Thus, the main illumination direction of the illumination means 38 is parallel to the optical detection means, for example, the convergence axis F37 of the television camera 37. Further, an auxiliary lighting means 46, for example, an LED, may be arranged at the second end of the light protection housing 43 near the light shielding edge 45. The auxiliary illuminating means emits an auxiliary light beam in the region of the light shielding edge 45 in the auxiliary illuminating direction in the lateral or oblique direction from the main illumination direction of the illuminating means 38. However, it is desirable to eject in the lateral direction with respect to the convergence axis F37.

Lateral illumination produces a strong light-dark contrast of 0 between the inherent mark 19 bass-relief or carved or recessed area and the top surface area.

The flat end aperture 44 may be orthogonal to the illumination axis F38 of the illumination means 38 and the optical detection means, for example, the convergence axis F37 of the television camera 37. Therefore, the image plane of the unique mark 19 is preferably positioned so as to be orthogonal to the illumination axis F38 and the convergence axis F37.

The system may be configured to allow optical detection, for example by digital photography, in one or more of the following states:

-Parallel lighting by lighting means 38,
-Side or diagonal lighting with auxiliary lighting 46,
-A combination of parallel illumination by the illumination means 38 and lateral or oblique illumination by the auxiliary illumination 46.

If one or more digital images are obtained under different lighting conditions, then the given digital image evaluation process and the algorithm may include multiple images for more reliable identification of the object. Can be used.

In a further embodiment (FIGS. 8-11), the optical detector 30 has a light protection housing 43 having the following configuration:
A tubular, tubular, having a first end that extends along the optical detection axis F37 and supports (closes) the television camera 37 or other optical detection means and a second end that is opposite. Preferably, the substantially cylindrical detection housing portion 48,
A tubular, preferably tubular, extending along the illumination axis F38 and having an illumination means 38, eg, a first end containing (closed) an LED and a second end opposite. A nearly cylindrical lighting housing portion 47.

The optical detection convergence axis F37 and the illumination axis F38 thus have the detection housing portion 48 and the illumination housing portion 47 facing each other in the lateral direction, preferably at an acute angle of, for example, 45 °, and merged. They are connected to each other at or near these open second ends so as to form one interconnected housing with an end aperture 44 near the ends of the.

In this embodiment, the lighting means 38, for example an LED, may be arranged, for example, in one ring or continuously in a ring at the first end of the lighting housing portion 47. The first end may have a reflective surface 49, such as white or a mirror, behind the illuminating means 38. The main illumination direction of the illumination means 38 is located at an acute angle of preferably about 45 ° with respect to the convergence direction / axis F37 of the optical detection means, for example, the television camera 37, substantially laterally.

Further, the auxiliary illumination means 46, for example, an LED, is disposed in the first end of the detection housing portion 48 and emits an auxiliary light beam in an auxiliary illumination direction parallel to the convergence axis F37.

Also, in this embodiment, the system enables optical detection, eg, digital imaging, under one or more of the following conditions:
-Parallel lighting with only auxiliary lighting means 46,
-Illumination from an angle using only the lighting means 38,
-The combined parallel lighting by the auxiliary lighting means 46 and the oblique lighting by the lighting means 38.

When two or more digital images are obtained under different lighting conditions, the subsequent digital image evaluation process and anagorism are used for more reliable object identification. It is possible.

In one embodiment (FIG. 11), the flat end aperture 44 is orthogonal to the illumination axis F38 of the illumination means 38, but with respect to the optical detection means, eg, the convergence axis F37 of the television camera 37. For example, it is inclined at an obtuse angle of 45 °. Therefore, the image plane of the unique mark 19 can be preferably arranged so as to be orthogonal to the illumination axis F38 and tilted with respect to the optical detection means, for example, the convergence axis F37 of the television camera 37.

In a different embodiment (not shown), the flat end aperture 44 is orthogonal to the optical detection means, eg, the convergence axis F37 of the television camera 37, but to the illumination axis F38 of the illumination means 38. On the other hand, it is preferably inclined at an obtuse angle of about 45 °. Therefore, the image plane of the unique mark 19 can be preferably arranged so as to be orthogonal to the illumination axis F38 and be inclined to the optical detection means, for example, the convergence axis F37 of the television camera 37.

The illuminating means 38 and / or the auxiliary illuminating means 46 relates to an optical detection state, a detection convergence axis F37, different wavelengths of light, and / or a plurality of light sources, or a plurality of light sources directed in different directions. It may be configured or adjusted to emit light of different wavelengths in order to optimize different light conditions.

The unique mark 19 may have a coded region 39 with point shaped sectors or areas in bas-relief 42 formed by points in the form of a data matrix. This coded region encodes the identification code 20 of the cylinder body 2, preferably the code of the material that identifies the steel production batch. Next to the coding region 39, an identification region 40 having an indication of the assembly of letters and numbers of the identification code 20 and a material region 41 having an indication of the combination of letters and numbers of the steel production batch can be formed ( Figure 6).

This allows the operator to easily read the code and manually insert the code, for example, in the case of cross checks, giving this method and the system distinctive redundancy. There is.

According to one embodiment, the undulating sector 42 formed at the point is a hemisphere or truncated cone shape with a rounded top and 0.2 mm between 0.1 mm and 0.6 mm. It has an initial depth of between 0.4 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm (FIG. 6).

As a variant of the television camera 37, it is possible to predict a laser scanner or brush contact sensor configured to detect the undulating area of the unique mark 19.

Returning to the coding of the image captured by the optical detector 30 and sent to the control unit 31, the local process controller 35, or the control unit directly associated with the optical detector 30, is involved in one embodiment. For example, such coding may include one or more of the following steps:
・ Perspective collection of statues,
・ Applying black / white filter at pixel level,
-Application of a noise filter to remove pixels below the specified extension threshold,
-Application of the Hough transform, followed by the application of the Fourier transform, as well as the convolution for the orientation of the image in the data matrix.
-Encoding of the obtained data matrix.

Using multiple, for example, groups of 5, 6 coding parameters, the identification code stored in database 21 is compared with the identification parameters encoded by the coding parameters of the first group, and If the encoded identification code does not exist in the database 21, discard it and separate groups for each processing step of piece 3 and the detection step of the identification code 20 according to the encoding result. It is also useful to move to the second group of coding parameters, as well as to weight the coding parameters of (in other words, classify them as first, second, third ...).

To improve the reading accuracy of the unique mark 19, the mark can be cleaned, for example, by a common fluid or air blow, or by mechanical brushing.

The database 21 generated and followed by the described methods and systems provides a set of information for rapid and targeted tracing of gas cylinders.

Those in this field have described that the marking methods and systems, the methods and systems for detecting marks, and the methods and systems for processing digital images generate trace information for gas cylinders. It can certainly be evaluated that these combinations with the systems and methods for doing so are particularly suitable for the manufacturing conditions of the gas cylinders so that they have a very effective joint effect.

Nonetheless, the described marking methods and systems, the methods and systems for detecting marks, and the methods and systems for processing digital images are objects other than gas cylinders, especially metals. The inventors are clearly aware that it can be effectively used in traces for marking and detecting marks of solids formed from synthetic or natural materials.

Hereinafter, the inventions described in the claims of the original application of the present application will be added.
[1] A step of preparing the unprocessed piece (3) and a plurality of modification steps (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, etc.) so as to obtain a solid substance (2) having a desired shape and material properties. 11,14,17,18,22) is a step of bringing the raw piece (3) to the modified step (5,6,7,8,9,11,14,17,18,22). Is
A) One or more heat treatment steps (5, 6) and / or such as changing the mechanical properties of the piece (3).
B) A step including one or more deformation steps (7,8,9,11,14,17,22) that change the shape of the piece (3).
A step of bringing the raw piece (3) or solid matter (2) obtained by the above step to at least one control step, and
A single piece (3) identification code (20) is provided prior to the modification step, and a single raw piece (3) and a single solid (2) are permanently retained during manufacturing. A permanent unique mark (19) for identifying is given to the raw piece (3), and the unique mark (19) is a plurality of shallow embossed areas in the raw piece (3). A process having a coded region (39) with (42).
A step of reading the unique mark (19) given to the raw piece (3) and storing the identification code (20) of the read unique mark (19) in the database (21).
-Unprocessed pieces (3) or solids (2) obtained from at least one of the modification steps (5,6,7,8,9,11,14,17,18,22). The identification code (20) is the identification code (20), the process parameters of the change step (5,6,7,8,9,11,14,17,18,22) and the identification code (20). The process of identifying by reading the association of
-A step of storing the process parameters of the change step (5,6,7,8,9,11,14,17,18,22) and the association with the identification code (20) in the database (21). During the control step, the identification code (20) of the raw piece (3) or the solid material (2) obtained from this is designated by the unique mark (19), the identification code (20), and the control step. The process of identifying by reading the association with the result,
Manufactured by a step of storing the result of the control step and the association of the read identification code (20) in the database (21).
The step of reading the unique mark (19) is
-In order to prevent the unique mark (19) from being exposed to ambient light, a light protection housing (43) made of a translucent material is arranged so as to cover the unique mark (19). That and
The unique mark (19) is illuminated from the inside of the light protection housing (43) by the lighting means (38), and the unique mark (19) is optically detected by digitally imaging from the inside of the light protection housing (43). Including that
A method for generating trace information for solids formed from metals, synthetic materials, or natural materials.
[2] The step of reading the unique mark (19) is
The end aperture (44) of the light protection housing (43) extends to the raw piece (3) for manufacture, and the end aperture (44) extends over the entire unique mark (19), resulting in The end aperture (44) comprises arranging them in contact with each other so that the entire unique mark (19) faces the inside of the light protection housing (43), the end aperture (44) being a raw piece for manufacture. The method according to [1], which is smaller than (3).
[3] The step of reading the unique mark (19) is
A flexible and deformable end aperture (44) extending over the entire circumference of the end aperture (44) into the shape of the raw piece (3) for manufacture near the unique mark (19). The method according to [2], which comprises aligning with an optical seal edge (45).
[4] The light protection housing (43) is
A nearly tubular detection that extends along the optical detection axis (F37) and has a closed first end that supports the television camera (37) and an open second end that is opposite. It has a housing portion (48) and an open second end opposite the closed first end that extends along the illumination axis (F38) and houses the illumination means (38). It has a substantially tubular lighting housing portion (47), and the optical detection convergence axis (F37) of the television camera (37) and the illumination axis (F38) of the illumination means (38) are 35 °. The detection housing portion (48) and the illumination housing portion (47) are laterally opposed to each other at an angle between and 55 °, and the detection housing portion (48) and the illumination housing portion (47) are located near the second end portion thereof. 44) are connected to each other near their second end so as to form one interconnected housing with 44).
The method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the reflecting surface (49) is arranged after the lighting means (38).
[5] Auxiliary lighting means (46) are placed within the first end of the detection housing portion (48) and are used to emit auxiliary light in the same direction as the convergence axis (F37) [4] ] The method described in.
[6] The step of optically detecting the unique mark (19) is
・ Diagonal lighting using only the lighting means (38),
-Parallel lighting using only the auxiliary lighting means (46) and
-The combined parallel lighting by the auxiliary lighting means (46) and the oblique lighting by the lighting means (38).
The method according to [5], which is carried out under at least two of these conditions.
[7] -During at least one of the deformation steps (7,8,9,11,14,17,22) of the raw piece (3), with the unique mark (19) of the piece (3). , A step of identifying one or more process parameters of the transformation step (7,8,9,11,14,17,22) and the association of the read identification code (20).
-The process parameters of the transformation process (7,8,9,11,14,17,22) and the association with the read identification code (20) are stored in the database (21), and-Unprocessed. During at least one of the heat treatment steps (5, 6) of the piece (3), the unique mark (19) of the raw piece (3), the read identification code (20) and the heat treatment step (5, 6). The step of identifying the identification code (20) of the raw piece (3) by reading the association with one or more process parameters of 6), and
Any of [1] to [6], which comprises a step of storing the process parameters of the heat treatment steps (5, 6) and the association of the read identification code (20) in the database (21). The method according to item 1.
[8] The process parameter associated with the identification code (20) also has identification of the sequence of pieces (3) processed on the same workstation, any one of [1] to [7]. The method described in the section.
[9] The shallow embossed area (42) is a hemispherical or truncated cone shape with a rounded top, between 0.1 mm and 0.6 mm, preferably 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm. The method according to any one of [1] to [8], which is a point having an initial depth of 0.3 mm.
[10] The coding region (39) provided with the shallow embossed region (42) has an identification code (20) for the solid material (2) and a material code for identifying a production batch of the raw material. Encoded and the unique mark (19) further
An identification area (40) having a display of a combination of letters and numbers of the identification code (20) and
The method according to any one of [1] to [9], which has a material area (41) having a display of a combination of letters and numbers in a production batch of raw materials.
[11] The unprocessed piece (3) is a metal piece, and the solid substance (2) obtained from the unprocessed piece is a metal solid substance (2) of [1] to [10]. The method according to any one item.
[12] The method according to any one of [1] to [11], wherein the solid substance (2) obtained from the unprocessed piece is a pressure vessel.

Claims (12)

Multiple modification steps (5,6,7,8,9,11,14) to prepare the raw piece (3) and to obtain the solid (2) with the desired shape and material properties. , 17, 18, 22) wherein a process leading to raw pieces (3) in said changing step (5,6,7,8,9,11,14,17, 18, 22),
A) One or more heat treatment steps (5, 6) that change the mechanical properties of the piece (3), and / or B) One or more deformation steps that change the shape of the piece (3) (7, Processes and processes, including 8 , 9 , 11 , 14 , 17 , 22),
A step of bringing the raw piece (3) or solid matter (2) obtained by the above step to at least one control step, and
A single piece (3) identification code (20) is provided prior to the modification step, and a single raw piece (3) and a single solid (2) are permanently retained during manufacturing. A permanent unique mark (19) for identifying is given to the raw piece (3), and the unique mark (19) is a plurality of shallow embossed areas in the raw piece (3). A process having a coded region (39) with (42).
A step of reading the unique mark (19) given to the raw piece (3) and storing the identification code (20) of the read unique mark (19) in the database (21).
- said changing step (5,6,7,8,9,11,14,17, 18, 22) during at least one of the raw piece (3) obtained from this or solids (2) of the identification code (20), an identification code (20), said changing step (5,6,7,8,9,11,14,17, 18, 22) process parameters and the identification code (20) The process of identifying by reading the association of
- said changing step (5,6,7,8,9,11,14,17, 18, 22) and process parameters of the steps of storing the association of the identification code (20) in the database (21), During the control step, the identification code (20) of the raw piece (3) or the solid material (2) obtained from this is designated by the unique mark (19), the identification code (20), and the control step. The process of identifying by reading the association with the result,
Manufactured by a step of storing the result of the control step and the association of the read identification code (20) in the database (21).
The step of reading the unique mark (19) is
-In order to prevent the unique mark (19) from being exposed to ambient light, a light protection housing (43) made of a translucent material is arranged so as to cover the unique mark (19). That and
The unique mark (19) is illuminated from the inside of the light protection housing (43) by the lighting means (38), and the unique mark (19) is optically detected by digitally imaging from the inside of the light protection housing (43). that, the city only including,
The light protection housing (43) is
A tubular detection housing that extends along the optical detection axis (F37) and has a closed first end that supports the television camera (37) and an open second end that is opposite. Part (48) and
A tubular lighting housing portion extending along a lighting axis (F38) and having a closed first end accommodating a lighting means (38) and an open second end opposite. (47) and
The optical detection convergence axis (F37) of the television camera (37) and the illumination axis (F38) of the illumination means (38) face each other laterally at an angle between 35 ° and 55 °. Further, the detection housing portion (48) and the illumination housing portion (47) form one mutually communicating housing having an end aperture (44) near the second end portion thereof. Are connected to each other near their second end,
A reflective surface (49) is arranged after the illuminating means (38).
A method for generating trace information for solids formed from metals, synthetic materials, or natural materials. The step of reading the unique mark (19) is
The end aperture (44) of the light protection housing (43) extends to the raw piece (3) for manufacture, and the end aperture (44) extends over the entire unique mark (19), resulting in The end aperture (44) comprises a contact arrangement such that the entire unique mark (19) faces the inside of the light protection housing (43), the end aperture (44) being a raw piece for the manufacture. The method according to claim 1, which is smaller than (3). The step of reading the unique mark (19) is
A deformable optical seal that extends the end aperture (44) over the entire circumference of the end aperture (44) in the shape of the raw piece (3) for manufacture near the unique mark (19). The method of claim 2 , comprising aligning with an edge (45). Auxiliary illuminating means (46) is disposed within the first end portion of the detection housing part (48), is used to emit light of the auxiliary in the same direction as the converging axes (F 37), to claim 1 The method according to any one of 3 . The step of optically detecting the unique mark (19) is
・ Diagonal lighting using only the lighting means (38),
-Parallel lighting using only the auxiliary lighting means (46) and
-The combined parallel lighting by the auxiliary lighting means (46) and the oblique lighting by the lighting means (38).
At least it takes place in two original state, The method according to claim 4 of the. -During at least one of the deformation steps (7,8,9,11,14,17,22) of the raw piece (3), the unique mark (19) of the piece (3) and the deformation step The step of identifying one or more process parameters of (7,8,9,11,14,17,22) and the association between the read identification code (20) and
-The process parameters of the deformation process (7,8,9,11,14,17,22) and the association with the read identification code (20) are stored in the database (21), and-Unprocessed. During at least one of the heat treatment steps (5, 6) of the piece (3), the unique mark (19) of the raw piece (3), the read identification code (20) and the heat treatment step (5, 6). The step of identifying the identification code (20) of the raw piece (3) by reading the association with one or more process parameters of 6), and
Any one of claims 1 to 5 , further comprising a step of storing the process parameters of the heat treatment steps (5, 6) and the association of the read identification code (20) in the database (21). The method according to item 1. The process parameters associated with the identification code (20) also has an identification of the sequence of pieces (3) to be processed on the same workstation, according to any one of claims 1 to 6 Method. The shallow float engraving area (42) is hemispherical or frustoconical having a top rounded, in that has an initial depth of between 0.1mm and 0.6 mm, wherein Item 2. The method according to any one of Items 1 to 7 . The method of claim 8, wherein the initial depth is between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm. The coded region (39) with the shallow embossed region (42) encodes the identification code (20) of the solid (2) and the material code that identifies the production batch of the raw material. And the unique mark (19) further
An identification area (40) having a display of a combination of letters and numbers of the identification code (20) and
The method of any one of claims 1-9, comprising a material area (41) having an indication of a combination of letters and numbers in a production batch of raw material. The raw piece (3) is a metal piece, and the solids obtained from the raw piece (2) is a metal solid (2), any one of claims 1 to 10 The method described in. The solid obtained from the raw piece (2) is a pressure vessel, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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