Surface-related data preparation method for e.g. metal- or paper sheet materials, gathers, orders, visualizes and processes data, to enhance product quality

摘要

Data sets are grouped into cells in accordance with given rules, and stored. Their geometrical arrangement on a display screen or other visualization medium, has topological similarity with the strip surface. The content of cells is made available for electronic processing and/or coupling with other cells or other data. The content of a cell can be one-dimensional. But further than this, cells can hold source data, grouping rules and/or processing formulae, ready for use (as in spreadsheets). The data is stored and made available in the form of tabular calculation sheets with rows and columns of cells. The data comprises material data, color, roughness, planarity, processing temperature and/or thicknesses of sheet material. Anomalies are stored and are inter-related to sheet properties in a similar manner. The data relates especially to areas from which a product will be manufactured, and to areas designated as waste. The geometrical form of the band and/or locations and extents of anomalies are represented using tabular expression. The method is further elaborated in accordance with the foregoing principles, and related to quality criteria. Data are gathered by e.g. a CCD camera. Quality is further related to subsequent, optionally-localized processing stages. The technique is directed towards minimizing reject material. An independent claim is included for corresponding process control equipment.