Maximization of yield 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;
analyzing at least a portion of the digital information with a plurality of subsequent algorithms to determine which anomalies represent actual defects in the web for a plurality of different products;
determining a value of at least one product selection parameter for each of the products;
selecting at least one of the products based on the determined value for each of the products; and
converting the web into the selected product or products.
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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, comprises an imaging device, an analysis computer and a conversion control system. The imaging device images the web to provide digital information. The analysis computer processes the digital information to identify regions on the web containing anomalies. The conversion control system subsequently analyzes the digital information to determine which anomalies represent actual defects for a plurality of different products. The conversion control system determines a value for at least one product selection parameter for each of the products, and selects one of the products for conversion of the web based on the respective determined value. Exemplary product selection parameters include web utilization, unit product produced, estimated revenue or profit, process time, machine capacity and demand for the different products.
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Citations
31 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; analyzing at least a portion of the digital information with a plurality of subsequent algorithms to determine which anomalies represent actual defects in the web for a plurality of different products; determining a value of at least one product selection parameter for each of the products; selecting at least one of the products based on the determined value for each of the products; and converting the web into the selected product or products. - 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 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 a plurality of different products, wherein the conversion control system determines a value of at least one product selection parameter for each of the products, and selects one of the products for conversion of the web based on the determined value for each of the products. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. 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 applies the rules to the anomaly information to determine a value for at least one product selection parameter for each of a plurality of products, wherein the conversion control engine selects one of the products for conversion of the web based on the determined values. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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25. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that cause a processor to:
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store data defining a set of rules; receive anomaly information from an analysis machine located within a manufacturing plant, wherein the anomaly information identify regions of a web containing anomalies; apply the rules to the anomaly information to determine a value for at least one product selection parameter for each of a plurality of products; and select one of the products for conversion of the web based on the determined values. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27)
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28. 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; analyzing at least a portion of the digital information with a plurality of subsequent algorithms to determine which anomalies represent actual defects in the web for a plurality of different products; selecting non-overlapping regions of the web for at least two of the products; generating a composite defect map based on the selected non-overlapping regions; generating a conversion plan based on the composite defect map; and converting the web in accordance with the conversion plan.
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29. 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 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 a plurality of different products and, based on the analysis, selects non-overlapping regions of the web for at least two of the products, and generates a composite defect map on the selected non-overlapping regions. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31)
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Specification