Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Product assembly or manufacturing
Reexamination Certificate
1995-03-23
2001-10-02
Grant, William (Department: 2121)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Product assembly or manufacturing
C700S059000, C700S185000, C700S219000, C382S111000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298275
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to handling a plurality of parts cut from a sheet material, and more particularly, to the identification and grouping of parts cut from the sheet material for subsequent handling and processing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the cutting of sheet material, particularly limp sheet material such as cloth or leather in an automated cutting system, it customary to generate a marker which indicates the shapes and arrangements of parts to be cut from a section of the sheet material. The marker is often generated by a computer program and displayed on a monitor for operator modification or adjustment prior to cutting the sheet. The information in the marker is then used to create a set of instructions usable by a cutting system. Once the parts are cut from the sheet material, the parts must be removed and presented for subsequent processing.
To identify the cut pieces for subsequent handling and/or assembly, the prior art has employed labelers for affixing labels to the sheet material such as shown by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,028,167; 4,189,377; and 4,514,246. More recently, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,141,572 and 5,092,829 disclose labelling and bundling mechanisms.
Alternatively, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,895,358 a paper plot of the part peripheries is printed on plotter paper and the paper is placed on the fabric before cutting. The top layer of the paper remains attached to the parts so that the operator can identify and pass the parts to a corresponding subsequent process.
While the prior systems identify the cut parts, the systems are relatively complicated and require a substantial investment in hardware or materials. In addition, for those subsequent processes where members of a specific subset have been placed in a common area and further identification of the individual members of the subset is unnecessary, the prior labelling methods are redundant, or provide excessive labelling.
Therefore, the need exists for a method and apparatus of non-intrusively and temporarily identifying cut parts while in their cut position on a sheet material as well as their association with a specific subset for subsequent handling or processing. The need further exists for identifying the cut parts that are members of a particular subset, wherein the subset members may be located in different sheets or sections of the sheet. The need also exists for identifying the cut parts to provide a sorting which expedites downstream processing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The part identification system of the present invention provides a method and apparatus for non-intrusively and temporarily identifying a subset of cut parts in a sheet material for subsequent processing or handling. The part identification system cooperates with a known cutting assembly, a marker database and a label for the cut parts, and includes a visual signal generator for projecting an identifying image along an optical path; a controller for directing the optical path and a labelling program for accessing the database and the labels to generate a control signal for the controller to direct the identifying image to identify the subset of parts.
It is contemplated that the visual signal generator may be one of a coherent or incoherent light source and the identifying image may be an alphanumeric character, a specified design, geometry, color or portion of the cut part periphery. Further, the identifying image may include a light line extending from the cut part to a location remote from the sheet material.
The visual signal generator cooperates with controller, including a shutter to selectively preclude and permit transmission of light, an XY scanner and amplifier for controlling the direction of the image and a scanner driver for driving the scanner.
The part identification system further includes a labelling program which reads the database to locate the labels of the parts cut from the sheet material. The labelling program selects the subset members from the labels, performs the necessary calculations, creates the identifying image and generates a control signal for the controller.
The present system also includes an operator input connected to the controller for allowing the operator to designate certain parameters, such as a specific identifying images as well as the subsets to be identified. The present system may also include a voice activation control for permitting hands free operator input.
The present system is compatible with fixed bed and conveyor type cutting assemblies so that the projection of the identifying image remains in a desired spatial relation with the corresponding part independent of relative motion between the cut part and the projection system.
Further, the labelling program allows the display of the identifying images to be sequenced so that cut parts may be removed in a particular order, thereby alleviating downstream sorting processes. The labelling program also forms an identifying image that may include a preferred orientation of the cut part.
The part identification system may cooperate with a label printer, whereby the labels are affixed to the parts, or carriers for a subset of the cut parts. Also, the present system may interface with a unit production system for substantially automating the transformation of sheet material to sorted cut parts.
The present method for temporarily identifying a part cut from a sheet material includes providing a database including the location of the cut part and a label having an association of the part with a subset; generating a control signal representing the identifying image and part location; and projecting an identifying image corresponding to the cut part along an optical path.
The method may further include projecting an identifying image including one of an alphanumeric character, a specific design, color, or portion of the part periphery, wherein the identifying image may include a light line connecting the cut part and the location remote from the sheet.
The present method includes selecting a region of the sheet from which parts are cut, upon which the identifying image may be displayed and selecting an order of subsets to be identified, as well as projecting a preferred orientation of the cut part.
The method further includes adjusting the projection of the identifying image to accommodate relative motion of the cut part. It is further contemplated the method may include printing a label for identifying the cut part or carrier for the cut part, wherein the label may include shipping information. The method also includes interfacing with a unit production system for integrating cut part location and transport.
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Gerber Garment Technology, Inc.
Grant William
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Rodriguez Paul
Salai Esq. Stephen B.
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