Inventory control for web-based articles
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- imaging a sequential portion of a web to provide digital information;
processing the digital information with at least one initial algorithm to identify regions on the web containing anomalies;
selecting one of a plurality of converting sites to convert the web into a product;
analyzing at least a portion of the digital information with one or more subsequent algorithms to determine which anomalies represent actual defects in the web for the product; and
converting the web into the product at the selected converting site based on the determined actual defects.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Techniques are described for inspecting a web and controlling subsequent conversion of the web into one or more products. A system, for example, includes an imaging device, an analysis computer and a conversion control system. The imaging device images a sequential portion of a web to provide digital information. The analysis computer processes the digital information with an initial algorithm to identify regions on the web containing anomalies. The conversion control system selects one of a plurality of converting sites to convert the web into a product, and analyzes at least a portion of the digital information with at least one subsequent algorithm to determine which anomalies represent actual defects in the web for the products.
61 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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imaging a sequential portion of a web to provide digital information; processing the digital information with at least one initial algorithm to identify regions on the web containing anomalies; selecting one of a plurality of converting sites to convert the web into a product; analyzing at least a portion of the digital information with one or more subsequent algorithms to determine which anomalies represent actual defects in the web for the product; and converting the web into the product at the selected converting site based on the determined actual defects. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system comprising:
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an imaging device that images a sequential portion of a web to provide digital information; an analysis computer that processes the digital information with an initial algorithm to identify regions on the web containing anomalies; and a conversion control system that selects one of a plurality of converting sites to convert the web into a product and analyzes at least a portion of the digital information with at least one subsequent algorithm to determine which anomalies represent actual defects in the web for the products. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A conversion control system comprising:
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a database storing data defining a set of rules; an interface to receive anomaly information from an analysis machine, wherein the anomaly information identifies regions of a web containing anomalies; and a conversion control engine that selects one of a plurality of converting sites to convert the web into a product based on the set of rules; wherein the conversion control engine analyzes at least a portion of the digital information with at least one algorithm to determine which anomalies represent actual defects in the web for the products. - View Dependent Claims (23)
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24. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that cause a processor to:
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store data defining a set of rules for selecting potential web converting sites; receive anomaly information from an analysis computer located within a manufacturing plant, wherein the anomaly information identifies regions of a web containing anomalies; and apply the rules to select one of a plurality of web converting sites to convert the web into a product in accordance with the anomaly information. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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Specification