MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A SKIN TREATMENT FACILITY OR SIMILAR

Description

1 / 32 “MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A SKIN TREATMENT FACILITY OR SIMILAR” MASTERY OF THE TECHNIQUE

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system for a hide treatment facility or similar facility.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a hide treatment plant, or similar plant, comprising the aforementioned management system.

[0003] Consequently, the present invention is advantageously used in the technical field of the treatment of hides or similar materials, in particular in the processing for transforming raw hides into finished hides. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] It is known that the process of treating hides to transform raw hides into finished hides involves a series of intermediate processes on the hide itself, such as fleshing, splitting, tanning, thinning, pressing, drying, sanding or suedeing, varnishing, stretching, etc.

[0005] These intermediate processes can be executed sequentially in the same factory operated by a single entity, or they can be executed sequentially in geographically distinct locations but still operated by the same entity, or they can be executed sequentially by different entities in their respective locations.

[0006] The skin treatment process lasts several days (on average, it can take around 20 days), which is why it is currently quite complex to track batches of skin during the various processes involved in the process. Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 7 / 98 2 / 32 treatment.

[0007] Generally, finished hides are stored or sold according to certain criteria and, in particular, before tanning, semi-processed hides are assigned to a specific type of product that is intended to be obtained at the end of the process.

[0008] One drawback of traditional solutions is the lack of traceability of information about the processing carried out on the hides. More specifically, currently, processing is not adequately documented in detail, even within the same factory or tannery, nor is it possible to effectively monitor and track batches of hides, which compromises the quality of the final product, causing customer dissatisfaction, economic losses and increased production costs.

[0009] Another drawback of traditional solutions is that the packaging of hides does not take into account the information accumulated during the treatment process. Packaging is often carried out only based on data collected in the final stage, such as the quality grade assigned to the hides, neglecting data collected in previous processing stages or the specific characteristics of the batches. This procedure makes the process inefficient and highly dependent on manual operations that inevitably rely on incomplete information. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to propose a management system for a treatment plant. Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 8 / 98 3 / 32 of hides or similar materials that overcomes - at least partially - the aforementioned drawbacks present in currently known solutions. Other objectives of the invention include:

[0011] I. Track the hides during subsequent processing involved in the hide treatment process, both for processing carried out in the same factory and for processing carried out in separate factories, possibly even managed by different parties;

[0012] II. Collect information about the hides during subsequent processing involved in the treatment process, both for processing carried out in the same factory and for processing carried out in separate factories, possibly even managed by different parties;

[0013] III. Being able to control the skin treatment process in real time;

[0014] IV. Easily optimize the skin treatment process;

[0015] V. Propose a system that is highly automated;

[0016] VI. Propose a system that can be implemented easily, quickly and at low cost;

[0017] VII. Propose a system that is an improvement and / or alternative to traditional systems;

[0018] VIII. Propose a system with an alternative characterization, both in functional and implementation terms, compared to traditional systems. Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 9 / 98 4 / 32 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] All these objectives - considered individually or in combination with each other - and others that will result from the description that follows, are achieved, according to the invention, by a management system for a hide and related processing facility, with the characteristics defined in claim 1 or 3.

[0020] The present invention relates to a management system for a hide or similar processing facility, characterized by comprising: - at least one detection device that is configured to acquire and / or determine representative data of at least one chemical and / or physical characteristic of each hide to be processed or already processed at the treatment facility, - at least one reading device that is configured to detect and recognize a code that is applied to each skin being processed or already processed at the treatment facility, preferably with each reading device being operationally associated with at least one corresponding detection device, - at least one electronic unit in which at least one database is loaded, and in which: - the aforementioned at least one detection device is electronically connected to the aforementioned at least one electronic unit, which contains at least one database, in order to receive the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin by at least one detection device, Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 10 / 98 5 / 32 - the aforementioned at least one reading device is electronically connected to the aforementioned at least one electronic unit, in which at least one database is loaded, in order to receive the code of each skin recognized by the aforementioned at least one reading device, - the aforementioned database is configured and structured in such a way that, within said database, the code for each skin, as recognized by said at least one reading device, corresponds to the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin by at least one detection device that is operationally associated with said reading device.

[0021] Preferably, the system also includes input means configured to provide the said electronic unit with a code for each skin to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility, and in which said database is configured and structured so that, in that database, the code for each skin (provided by said input means) corresponds to the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin by each detection device.

[0022] The present invention relates to a management system for a hide or similar processing facility, characterized by comprising: - at least one detection device that is configured to acquire and / or determine representative data of at least one chemical and / or physical characteristic of each hide to be processed or already processed at the treatment facility, - input methods configured to provide to Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 11 / 98 6 / 32 referred to as an electronic unit, a code for each hide to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility. - at least one electronic unit in which at least one database is loaded, and in which: - the aforementioned at least one detection device is electronically connected to the aforementioned at least one electronic unit, which contains at least one database, in order to receive the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin by at least one detection device, - The aforementioned database is configured and structured in such a way that, within said database, the code for each skin corresponds to the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin by each detection device.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a management system for a hide or similar processing facility, characterized by comprising: - at least two detection devices, and in which: - at least one detection device is configured to acquire and / or determine representative data of a respective chemical and / or physical characteristic of each hide to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility, which is different from that detected by the other detection device and / or - at least two detection devices are configured to acquire and / or determine data representative of the same chemical characteristic and / or Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 12 / 98 7 / 32 physical aspects of each skin to be processed or already processed in corresponding, distinct positions within the treatment facility, - at least one electronic unit on which at least one database is loaded, and where: - the aforementioned at least two detection devices are electronically connected to the aforementioned at least one electronic unit, in which at least one database is loaded, in order to receive the corresponding data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin by each detection device, - The aforementioned database is configured and structured in such a way that, within said database, a code for each skin to be processed or already processed at the treatment facility corresponds to the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin by each detection device.

[0024] Preferably, the system comprises input means configured to provide the said electronic unit with a code for each skin to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility, and the said database is further configured and structured so that, in that database, the code for each skin, as provided by the said input means, corresponds to the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin by at least one detection device.

[0025] Preferably, the system also comprises at least one reading device that is configured to detect and recognize a code that is applied to each Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 98 8 / 32 skin to be processed or already processed at the treatment facility, preferably each reading device being operationally associated with at least one corresponding detection device, and in which: - the aforementioned at least one reading device is electronically connected to the aforementioned at least one electronic unit, in which is loaded at least the aforementioned database, in order to receive the code of each skin recognized by the aforementioned at least one reading device, - the aforementioned database is further configured and structured in such a way that, within said database, the code for each hide, as recognized by said at least one reading device, corresponds to the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding hide by at least one detection device that is operationally associated with said reading device. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] The present invention is hereby elucidated in some of its preferred practical embodiments, shown for illustrative and non-limiting purposes only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 shows, in schematic view, a sequence of processing steps in the skin treatment process,

[0028] Figure 2 shows, in schematic view, the management system, according to the invention, for a leather or similar processing facility,

[0029] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the software loaded and / or executed on the processor of a Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 98 9 / 32 reading device for the management system according to the invention,

[0030] Figure 4A shows, in side view, a marking device, of the management system according to the invention, for applying a code to a skin,

[0031] Figure 4B shows, in front view, the apparatus of figure 4A,

[0032] Figure 5A shows, in side view, a different form of a marking device, of the management system according to the invention, for applying a code to a skin,

[0033] Figure 5B shows, in front view, the apparatus of figure 5A,

[0034] Figure 5C shows, in top view, the apparatus of figure 5A,

[0035] Figure 6A shows, in side view, a reading device, of the management system according to the invention, for detecting and recognizing a code applied to a skin,

[0036] Figure 6B shows, in front view, the apparatus of figure 6A,

[0037] Figure 6C shows, in top view, the apparatus of figure 6A, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND SOME OF ITS PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] The present invention relates to a management system, collectively referred to as reference 1, for a leather or similar treatment facility 100. Preferably, the 100 leather treatment installation comprises at least one 30 machine for carrying out Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 98 10 / 32 a processing of hides and preferably comprises two or more machines 30 configured to perform, in sequence, the corresponding processing, distinct from the hides. Preferably, the hide treatment plant 100 comprises one or more conveyor belts to advance the hides through the plant.

[0039] Preferably, installation 100 is configured to implement a leather or similar treatment process. In particular, as shown in Figure 1, the leather treatment installation 100 can be configured to transform raw hides into finished hides and, for this purpose, comprises a plurality of processing operations that are carried out sequentially on the hides.

[0040] In more detail, the processing carried out by the machines 30 of the treatment plant 100 includes, for example, the following processing carried out sequentially from the raw hides 97: fleshing 98, alkaline treatment (liming) 99, splitting into strips 101, tanning 102, pressing 103, further splitting 104 (the so-called wet blue splitting), deburring 105, retanning 106, drying 107, pickling 108, sanding or suedeing 109, varnishing 110, drawing 111. Preferably, the hides thus obtained can then be subject to a measurement 112 and packaging 113 before their dispatch 114. Preferably, each processing carried out in the treatment plant 100 comprises a corresponding processing machine or station.

[0041] Preferably, it is understood that the treatment plant 100 may also comprise only one of the aforementioned processes or any Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 16 / 98 11 / 32 subset of the above-mentioned processing methods, and may also include additional traditional hide processing methods (known to those skilled in the art) not mentioned herein.

[0042] The management system 1 for the 100 leather treatment facility comprises: - at least one detection device 40 that is configured to acquire and / or determine representative data of at least one chemical and / or physical characteristic of each skin 12 to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility 100, - at least one electronic unit 50 in which at least one database 51 is loaded, - at least one reading device 20, which is configured to detect and recognize a code 11 applied to each skin 12 to be treated or worked on in the treatment facility 100, and / or input means configured to provide said electronic unit 50 with a code 11 for each skin 12 to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility 100.

[0043] Preferably, code 11 can be applied to each skin 12 to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility 100.

[0044] Preferably, code 11 applied to each skin 12 can be unique for each skin or it can be unique for each batch of skins.

[0045] Preferably, the code 11 applied to each skin 12 may comprise one, two or more alphanumeric characters (possibly with other punctuation, mathematical and / or special characters) and / or other symbols, Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 17 / 98 12 / 32 and / or may comprise a sequence or matrix with dots and / or dashes (preferably of a standardized type, such as barcodes, QR codes, Data Matrix, etc.). Preferably, the code 11 may be engraved, perforated, marked and / or written on each skin 12 to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility 100.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the management system 1 is configured so that a reading device 20 is operationally associated with at least one detection device 40. Preferably, each reading device 20 is operationally associated with a respective detection device 40, or even with two or more respective detection devices 40. Preferably, each detection device 40 is operationally associated with a reading device 20.

[0047] Preferably, the management system 1 may comprise two or more reading devices 20 that are positioned sequentially within the skin treatment facility 100.

[0048] Preferably, the management system 1 may comprise (at least) one reading device 20 for each machine 30 (or station), which is provided within the treatment facility 100, for processing the hides. Preferably, each reading device 20 may be installed on a machine 30 for processing the hides, or may be installed upstream or downstream of said machine 30. Preferably, each reading device 20 is of the autonomous type. Preferably, each reading device 20 may be mechanically and electrically independent in relation to a corresponding machine 30 for Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 18 / 98 13 / 32 to carry out a processing of the hides and also in relation to a corresponding detection device 40. Preferably, the reading device 20 can be mounted on a specific conveyor belt or it can be mounted on an existing conveyor belt 17 in the treatment plant 100.

[0049] Preferably, in one possible embodiment, at least one reading device 20 may be installed in a corresponding detection device 40.

[0050] Preferably, the input means configured to provide the said electronic unit 50 with code 11 for each skin 12 to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility 100 may comprise: - an input interface for manual code entry by an operator, and / or - an automatic acquisition / reading interface from physical media (e.g., via an optical barcode reader or equivalent on paper documents or similar), and / or - an electronic communication interface for receiving codes from, or transmitted by, other external devices or management systems (such as production or logistics information systems).

[0051] Preferably, the means of input for providing the said electronic unit 50 with code 11 for each skin 12 to be processed or already processed in the installation 100 may be alternative or additional to the reading device 20.

[0052] Preferably, the means of input to provide the aforementioned electronic unit 50 with code 11 of Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 98 14 / 32 each skin 12 to be processed or already processed in the facility 100 may be operationally associated with at least one respective detection device 40.

[0053] Preferably, the means of input for providing the said electronic unit 50 with code 11 for each skin 12 to be processed or already processed in the installation 100 may be provided in several (at least two) positions and / or stations along the installation itself, and / or also in several positions within the same processing station, for example, upstream and downstream of a machine 30.

[0054] Advantageously, the management system 1 is configured to operate with hides that are moving (advancing) within the facility 100. Preferably, the detection devices 40 are configured to acquire and / or determine representative data of at least one chemical and / or physical characteristic of each hide 12 as it moves and advances within the facility. Preferably, the reading device 20 is configured to detect and recognize a code 11 applied to each hide 12 as it moves and advances within the facility.

[0055] Preferably, each detection device 40 can be configured to detect at least one of the following skin characteristics: skin area / surface, skin thickness, skin color, skin quality (i.e., presence of defects), moisture and / or smoothness.

[0056] Preferably, the management system 1 may comprise two or more detection devices 40 that are positioned sequentially with each other within the skin treatment facility 100. Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 20 / 98 15 / 32

[0057] Preferably, the management system 1 may comprise two or more detection devices 40, of which at least one detection device is configured to acquire and / or determine representative data of a respective chemical and / or physical characteristic of each skin to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility, which is different from that detected by the other detection device. For example, one detection device 40 is configured to detect skin area / surface area, while the other detection device is configured to detect skin color.

[0058] Preferably, the management system 1 may comprise two or more detection devices 40, wherein at least two detection devices 40 are configured to acquire and / or determine representative data of the same chemical and / or physical characteristic of each skin 12 to be processed or already processed in corresponding, and mutually distinct, positions of the treatment plant 100. For example, a detection device 40 configured to detect skin color is provided upstream of a processing machine 30, and another detection device 40 – also configured to detect skin color – is provided downstream of the same processing machine 30.

[0059] Preferably, several detection devices 40 can also be provided in the same processing station, but in different positions, or even in different positions along the longitudinal development of a conveyor belt.

[0060] Preferably, the device of Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 21 / 98 16 / 32 detection 40 can be a stand-alone device that is then installed on board a machine 30 to perform hide processing, or it can be installed upstream or downstream of said machine 30. Preferably, the detection device 40 can be incorporated into a machine 30 to perform hide processing.

[0061] Preferably, the detection device 40 can be mechanically and electrically independent of a corresponding machine 30 for processing the hides. Preferably, the detection device 40 can be mechanically and / or electrically connected to a corresponding machine 30 - and / or incorporated into it for processing the hides.

[0062] Preferably, the detection device 40 can be mounted on a specific conveyor belt or on an existing conveyor belt in the treatment plant 100.

[0063] The aforementioned at least one detection device 40 is connected electronically, by cable and / or wirelessly, to the aforementioned at least one electronic unit 50, in which at least one database 51 is loaded, to receive the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin 12 of at least one detection device 40.

[0064] The aforementioned reading device 20 is connected electronically, by cable and / or wirelessly, to the aforementioned electronic unit 50, in which the aforementioned database 51 is loaded, to receive the code 11 from each skin 12, as recognized by the aforementioned reading device 20.

[0065] Preferably, the means of entry Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 22 / 98 17 / 32 to provide the said electronic unit 50 with a code 11 for each skin 12 are preferably connected electronically, by cable and / or wirelessly, to the said at least one electronic unit 50, in which at least one database 51 is loaded.

[0066] Preferably, the electronic unit 50 can be configured to control and / or command said at least one detection device 40, said at least one reading device 20 and / or said input means to provide the electronic unit 50 with code 11 for each skin 12.

[0067] The electronic unit 50 may be provided at the installation 100 or may be a remote electronic unit. Preferably, the electronic unit 50 may comprise at least one processor, such as a real or virtual remote server and / or a cloud-based system. Preferably, a single electronic unit 50 may be provided, electronically connected to each detection device 40, to each reading device 20 and / or to input means to provide said electronic unit 50 with a code 11 from each skin 12.

[0068] Preferably, the database 51 is traditionally equipped with storage media for data and a processor for processing it (database server), as well as software applications (i.e., a database management system) to efficiently create, manipulate, manage and query the data stored on the media.

[0069] Database 51 is configured and structured so that, within the same database, code 11 Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 23 / 98 18 / 32 of each skin 12, recognized by a reading device 20 and / or provided by the aforementioned input means, is compared with the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin by at least one detection device 40 that is operationally associated with the aforementioned reading device 20 and / or the aforementioned input means.

[0070] Preferably, each record in the database 51 comprises a field intended to be filled with the code 11 recognized by a given reading device 20 and / or provided by input means for a given skin 12 and further comprises at least one field intended to be filled with the data (or based on the data) acquired and / or determined for that skin by at least one detection device 40 that is operationally associated with that reading device 20 and / or those input means.

[0071] In other words, each record in the database 51 comprises the code 11 of a skin 12, as recognized by a reading device 20 and / or provided by the input means, and also the data of the same skin, as acquired and / or determined by a corresponding detection device 40 that is operationally associated with that reading device 20.

[0072] Advantageously, in this way, the data acquired and / or determined by the detection device 40 are appropriately connected / referenced to a specific skin 12 that is identified – preferably uniquely at the skin or batch level – by its code 11, as recognized by the reading device 20 and / or provided by the input means. Advantageously, the characteristics Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 24 / 98 19 / 32 chemical / physical characteristics - determined with or based on data acquired by each detection device 40 - are correctly associated / compared with the respective skin 12. Therefore, in the installation 100 it is possible to know, substantially in real time, the characteristics of each skin.

[0073] Preferably, at the database level 51, a configuration is provided so that each reading device 20 - and / or each input medium interface - is pre-associated with the detection device(s) 40 which, in the installation 100, is / are operationally (in particular in terms of position) associated with the respective reading device 20 - and / or the respective input medium interface. For example, in the installation 100, a reading device 20 and / or input media are operationally associated with (at least) one detection device 40, in the sense that they may be physically located more or less close to each other, or may even be integrated into each other as a single unit, or may be arranged in such a way that no processing or modification of the skin 12 that advances through the treatment installation 100 occurs between them.

[0074] Preferably, system 1 comprises software for processing and / or analyzing the data stored in database 51. Preferably, said processing and / or analysis software may be loaded and / or executed on the same electronic unit 50 in which database 51 is loaded and / or on another electronic unit that interfaces with said database 51. Preferably, said processing and / or Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 25 / 98 20 / 32 analysis is configured to perform various analyses, for example, descriptive and / or inferential statistical analyses or through machine learning techniques / algorithms (e.g., data mining or machine learning) for data analysis, using the data stored in the database 51. Preferably, the processing and / or analysis software is configured to perform quality control analyses (both at the product and work process levels), trend analyses (e.g., identification of recurring patterns or patterns for future forecasting or decision-making purposes) and also analyses for process optimization.

[0075] Advantageously, the management system 1 can allow the accurate and timely collection of data on each hide 12 in the various processing stages that, within the treatment facility 100, can be carried out sequentially on each hide 12, in order to move it from its raw state to the so-called lime state (this is the state of the hide after it has been stripped of its hair and residual flesh) and / or to the so-called wet state (this is the state of the hide after tanning) and / or to the so-called crust state (this is a semi-finished state in which the hide has undergone further treatment to a basic coloration that usually occurs in the drum) and / or to the finished state (in which the hide has completed the finishing process comprising coloring and aesthetic pressing and is essentially a finished product). Advantageously, the data thus collected can be used for appropriate analyses.

[0076] Advantageously, management system 1 also allows data collection during the phases Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 26 / 98 21 / 32 intermediate stages of the treatment process. Preferably, therefore, this data can be used or indicated in the accompanying documents during the final stage of hide packaging.

[0077] Advantageously, management system 1 therefore allows for the collection of real-time data on the treatment carried out on the hides 12 and, if necessary, the immediate optimization of the treatment process; for example, it allows for the optimization of upstream processing, adapting it to the specific characteristics of the hides being treated detected downstream. In this way, proactive, precise and timely measures can be taken to ensure the maximum effectiveness of the processes carried out and to improve the quality of the finished product. Advantageously, management system 1 allows for real-time feedback to operators, thus enabling rapid intervention in case of anomalies detected during the analysis, and also allows for the provision of dashboards or visual reports (including graphs) that facilitate the understanding of the analysis results, supporting informed decisions.Advantageously, based on the analysis results, automatic actions can also be defined, such as adjusting a machine's settings to optimize the corresponding processing without direct operator intervention. Also advantageously, based on the analysis results, processing settings for subsequent batches can be varied and corrected to improve the entire treatment process.

[0078] Advantageously, moreover, using a reading device 20 - and / or input means - for each machine 30 to perform a processing of the hides Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 27 / 98 22 / 32 within the facility 100 and / or by providing a reading device 20 - and / or means of input - for each predefined position along the facility 100 it is possible to track and know, substantially in real time, the position where each skin 12 is located within the facility itself.

[0079] Preferably, each reading device 20 comprises: - at least one acquisition device 21 that is configured to acquire digital images of each skin 12 that enters the field of view 18 of said acquisition device 21, - a processor (not shown) electronically connected to said at least one acquisition device 21, to receive digital images acquired by that device and in which is loaded the software 29 which, when executed, is configured to detect and recognize, based on the images received, the code 11 applied to each skin 12. Preferably, the processor of the reading device 20 can be implemented by means of a computer. Preferably, the reading device 20 can comprise a user interface (e.g., a screen) that is operationally associated with the processor, thus allowing the operator to view the code 11 recognized on each skin 12. Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the user interface of the reading device 20 is also configured to receive as input a code entered by the operator, for example to change or correct a code incorrectly recognized by the device.

[0080] Preferably, each device of Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 28 / 98 23 / 32 acquisition 21 comprises a camera and, more preferably, a linear camera (i.e., a camera that captures an image by capturing a line of pixels at a time). Preferably, in the case of a linear camera, the latter and / or the processor of the reading device 20 are configured to assemble the acquired pixel lines in order to reconstruct a complete image. Preferably, an encoder (or equivalent) may be provided that sends the corresponding signals used to assemble the pixel lines to the capture device 21 or to the processor in order to reconstruct a complete image. This is particularly advantageous for enabling the recognition of the code 11 associated with the skins 12 that are in motion (i.e., moving) along the installation. Preferably, at each advance signaled by the encoder, the acquisition device 21 can detect a line of pixels.

[0081] Preferably, each acquisition device 21 is positioned above the skins 12, so as to frame from above the skins that sequentially pass through the field of view 18 of the corresponding device. Preferably, each acquisition device 21 is configured and positioned to frame in its field of view 18 a predefined part or the entire upper surface of the skins 12 that sequentially pass through the field of view of the corresponding device.

[0082] Preferably, a centrally positioned acquisition device 21 in width (i.e., along a horizontal direction, or Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 29 / 98 24 / 32 substantially horizontal, perpendicular to the direction of skin displacement), but it can also be arranged off-center in width (particularly in the case of multiple acquisition devices 21) in relation to the skin 12 or a conveyor belt.

[0083] Preferably, in one possible embodiment, each reading device 20 comprises a support structure 19 (for example, a laterally supported beam) on which at least one acquisition device 21 is mounted. Preferably, in one possible embodiment, the support structure 19 is configured to support at least one acquisition device 21 above a conveyor belt 17 that sequentially advances the skins through the field of view 18 of the corresponding acquisition device 21.

[0084] Preferably, each reading device 20 also comprises illumination means 16 mounted on each acquisition device 21 to illuminate the skin 12 when it enters the field of view 18 of the corresponding acquisition device 21. Preferably, in one possible embodiment, the illumination means 16 comprise two illuminators 16' and 16'' which, for example, are positioned upstream and downstream of the acquisition device 21 respectively in relation to the direction of advance of each skin 12 within the field of view 18 of the acquisition device 21. Preferably, the illumination means 16 may be configured to emit visible and non-visible light radiation (at various wavelengths) as required.

[0085] Preferably, in a possible Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 30 / 98 25 / 32 modality, a filter 15 may be provided in the vicinity of the lighting means 16 - and, in particular, above the latter - to cover or attenuate the diffusion of the lighting emitted by the means 16, especially to limit the direct and intense diffusion of light that may be uncomfortable or dangerous to the eyes of the operators.

[0086] Preferably, the software 29 loaded onto the processor and / or executed by the processor of the reading device 20 can be configured to process one or more images 26 of each skin 12 captured by the acquisition device 21 using artificial intelligence and / or machine learning algorithms.

[0087] The software 29 loaded onto the processor and / or executed by the processor of the reading device 20 comprises: - a first software module 22 equipped with a first pre-trained ML1 machine learning model, which: - at input it receives all 26 images of each skin 12 captured by the acquisition device 21, - In output, it provides a 27' indication of the presence or absence of code 11 in the skin image 12, and also a 27'' indication of the position, within the skin image 12, where code 11, if it exists, is located. - a second software module 23 configured to implement a second, already trained ML2 machine learning model, which: - as input, it only accepts images. Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 31 / 98 26 / 32 selected 26' of skin 12 where the presence of code 11 was detected and also the indication 27' - provided as output by the first machine learning model ML1 - of the position in the skin image where code 11 is located, - Output 28 provides the recognized code 11 in digital format.

[0088] Preferably, the indication 27'' of the position, in the skin image 12, where code 11 is located comprises the coordinates of the vertices of a rectangular area (or other shape) where code 11 is located.

[0089] Preferably, software 29 is configured to select, from all images 26 of each skin 12 captured by the acquisition device 21, based on the indication 27' of the presence or absence of a code 11 in the skin image itself, the only images 26' of the skin in which the presence of a code 11 was detected. Preferably, only the images thus selected 26' are sent as input to the second machine learning model ML2. Preferably, software 29 is configured to delete the images that have not been selected, that is, to delete the images in which the presence of a code 11 has not been detected.

[0090] Preferably, the software 29 is configured so that, among the selected images 26' (i.e., those in which the presence of a code 11 was detected) relating to the same skin 12, it makes a new selection based on the characteristics of the images, for example, in terms of contrast level and / or other suitably predefined parameters. Preferably, the criterion for selecting Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 32 / 98 27 / 32 The best image is established taking into account multiple factors to suit the specific objective of recognizing code 11. In practice, in one possible embodiment, the software 29 analyzes and compares the contrast level (or at least one other predefined parameter) of each image 26' containing code 11 and relating to the same skin 12, in order to identify at least one image that has the optimum contrast (or another optimum value of at least one given predefined parameter) for maximum legibility and accuracy in recognizing code 11 itself.

[0091] Preferably, the first ML1 machine learning model is pre-trained - and / or, in any case, can be trained over time - using a corresponding supervised learning dataset; the dataset corresponding to the first ML1 model comprises an organized collection of records, where each record refers to an image of a skin 12 with or without a code 11 and comprises - for each image - what is sent as input to the corresponding ML1 model and also what is provided as output by the corresponding ML1 model.

[0092] Preferably, the second ML2 machine learning model is pre-trained - and / or, in any case, can be trained using a corresponding supervised learning dataset; the dataset corresponding to the second ML2 model comprises an organized collection of records, where each record refers to an image of a skin 12 with a code 11 and comprises - for each image - what is sent as input to the corresponding ML2 model and also what is provided as output by Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 33 / 98 28 / 32 corresponding ML2 model.

[0093] Preferably, the management system 1 also comprises a marking device 60 for applying a code 11 to a hide 12 to be processed or already processed, or to a batch of hides to be processed or already processed, in the treatment plant 100. Preferably, the code 11 applied to each hide 12 by the marking device 60 can be unique for each hide or can be unique for each batch of hides.

[0094] Preferably, the management system 1 itself may comprise a marking device 60; however, in other possible embodiments, the marking device 60 for applying the code 11 to each skin 12 may be external to the management system 1 or may be operationally and / or physically independent of the management system 1.

[0095] Preferably, code 11 to be applied via the marking device 60 can be defined by the operator via a control interface on the device 60 or can be received from external systems.

[0096] Preferably, the marking device 60 is configured to apply code 11 to skin 12 by means of laser radiation. Preferably, in other possible modalities, the marking device 60 may be configured to apply code 11 to skin 12 by mechanical puncture or perforation. Preferably, in other possible modalities, the marking device 60 may be configured to apply code 11 to skin 12 by inkjet (or equivalent substance) or by thermal transfer. Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 34 / 98 29 / 32

[0097] Preferably, code 11 applied by the marking device 60, either by means of a laser beam or by mechanical puncture / perforation, can be obtained in such a way as to pass through the entire thickness of the skin 12 or by means of an incision that only partially penetrates the thickness of the skin itself.

[0098] Preferably, the marking device 60 can be mechanically / structurally autonomous (see figures 4A and 4B) or it can be installed on a machine 30 to carry out a hide processing or on a specific conveyor belt 71 or already provided for in the installation 100 (see figures 5A, 5B and 5C).

[0099] The marking device 60 may comprise a corresponding support structure 69, which may be a dedicated support structure (see fig. 4A and 4B) or which may be mounted above an existing conveyor belt 71 in the installation 100 (see fig. 5A, 5B and 5C).

[00100] In a preferred embodiment, the marking apparatus 60 comprises at least one laser device 61 that is configured to apply the code 11 to each skin 12 by laser incision (which - depending on the settings - may penetrate totally or partially into the thickness of the skin).

[00101] Preferably, in one possible embodiment, the laser device 61 is fixed (i.e., it is not movable in any direction). In another possible embodiment, the laser device 61 can be mounted on a movable structure, for example, along one or more axes perpendicular to each other, to ensure flexibility in marking coordinates and to allow the processing of skins 12 with Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 35 / 98 30 / 32 various shapes and sizes.

[00102] Preferably, the laser device 61 has a field of action (for example, 170 x 170 or 300 x 300) that allows applying a multi-character code 11 to each skin 12 at the same time. Preferably, the marking apparatus 60 comprises a receiving base 62 for the hide 12 to be marked and, suitably, said base 62 may be defined by a specific surface (see Fig. 4A and 4B) or by the upper surface of a conveyor belt 71 (see Fig. 5A, 5B and 5C).

[00103] The marking apparatus 60 comprises an enclosure 64 for internally defining a processing chamber, within which is located the field of action 65 of the laser device 61. Preferably, the processing chamber defined by the enclosure 64 may be fluidically connected to an aspiration device 70, thus allowing the aspiration of gases (namely smoke) from the processing chamber. Preferably, the enclosure 64 may substantially define an aspiration duct.

[00104] Preferably, in one possible embodiment, the marking apparatus 60 may comprise cooling means 68 (for example, a chiller) for the laser device 61.

[00105] Preferably, the marking apparatus 60 comprises means of movement 63 (for example, one or more actuators) to move the receiving base 62 closer to / further away from the skin 12 and the housing 64, or vice versa. Advantageously, for safety reasons, during the action of the laser device 61, the lower edge of the housing 64 is substantially Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 36 / 98 31 / 32 in contact with, or very close to, the receiving base 62 of the skin to be treated; in particular, this allows for the aspiration of fumes created by the laser incision of the skin 12 and also protects operators from the potential dangers of the laser beam, including risks to the eyes and possible cuts.

[00106] Preferably, in one possible embodiment (see figures 4A and 4B), the movement means 63 are configured to move the base 62 so that the base itself, on which the skin 12 to be marked is placed, is substantially in contact with, or very close to, the lower edge of the housing 64. In particular, in this case, the movement means 63 move the receiving base 62 closer to / further away from the skin 12 to be marked in relation to the laser device 61, in order to allow the positioning and removal of the skin to be marked.

[00107] Preferably, in one possible embodiment (see figures 5A, 5B and 5C), the moving means 63 are configured to move the casing 64 closer to / further away from the base 62 (which can be defined by the upper surface of the conveyor belt 71) on which the skin to be marked is positioned.

[00108] Preferably, in one possible embodiment, the marking device 60 may comprise a control interface 66 and a display 67 (for example, a monitor).

[00109] Preferably, the marking device 60 can apply the code 11 to the skin 12 while it is practically stationary in the field of action 65 of the laser device 61, or to the moving skin (advancing by means of a conveyor belt 71) as it passes Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 37 / 98 32 / 32 through the operating field 65 of the laser device 61.

[00110] The present invention also relates to a hide processing plant 100, preferably for sequentially performing one or more processes on hides, preferably for sequentially performing a plurality of processes to transform the hides 12 from a raw state to a finished state. The plant 100 comprises one or more machines 30, arranged sequentially, for processing the hides and at least one conveyor belt for advancing the hides 12 through the plant. Preferably, at least two machines 30 are configured to sequentially perform the corresponding processing of the hides. The plant 100 comprises a management system 1, as described herein.

[00111] From what has been said, it is evident that the solution according to the invention is considerably more advantageous than known solutions and, in particular, achieves the aforementioned objectives.

[00112] The present invention has been illustrated and described in some of its preferred embodiments, but it is understood that variations may be made in its practical implementation without exceeding the scope of protection of this patent of invention. Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 38 / 98

Claims

in CLAIMS 1. Management system (1) for a hide or similar treatment facility (100), characterized by comprising: at least one detection device (40) configured to acquire and / or determine representative data of at least one chemical and / or physical characteristic of each hide (12) to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility (100), at least one reading device (20) configured to detect and recognize a code (11) applied to each hide (12) to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility (100), preferably each reading device (20) being operationally associated with at least one corresponding detection device (40), at least one electronic unit (50) on which at least one database (51) is loaded, and wherein: said at least one detection device (40) is electronically connected to said at least one electronic unit (50),in which the aforementioned database (51) is loaded, to receive the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin (12) by the aforementioned at least one detection device (40), the aforementioned at least one reading device (20) is electronically connected to the aforementioned at least one electronic unit (50), in which the aforementioned at least one database (51) is loaded, to receive Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 39 / 98 2 / 7 thus the code (11) of each skin (12) as recognized by the aforementioned at least one reading device (20), - the aforementioned database (51) is configured and structured in such a way that, in the same database, the code (11) of each skin (12), as recognized by the aforementioned at least one reading device (20), corresponds to the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin (12) by the aforementioned at least one detection device (40),which is operationally associated with the aforementioned reading device (20)., 2. System, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising input systems to provide said electronic unit (50) with a code (11) for each skin (12) to be processed or already processed in the treatment plant (100), and wherein said database (51) is configured and structured in such a way that the code (11) for each skin, which is provided by said input means, corresponds to the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin (12) by each detection device (40).

3. Management system (1) for a fur or similar processing facility (100), characterized by comprising: - at least one detection device (40) that is configured to acquire and / or determine representative data of at least one chemical and / or physical characteristic of each fur (12) to be processed or already processed in the processing facility (100), - at least one electronic unit (50) on which at least one database (51) is loaded, Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page.40 / 98 3 / 7 - input systems to provide this electronic unit (50) with a code (11) for each skin (12) to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility (100), wherein: - said at least one detection device (40) is electronically connected to said at least one electronic unit (50), in which said at least one database (51) is loaded, to receive the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin (12) by said at least one detection device (40), - said database (51) is configured and structured so that the code (11) for each skin corresponds to the data acquired and / or determined for each corresponding skin (12) by each detection device (40).

4. System, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least two detection devices (40), wherein at least one detection device (40) is configured to acquire and / or determine representative data of a respective chemical and / or physical characteristic of each skin (12) to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility (100), which is different from the characteristic detected by another detection device (40).

5. System, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least two detection devices (40) that are configured to acquire and / or determine representative data of the same chemical and / or physical characteristic of each skin (12) to be processed or already processed in corresponding and mutually distinct positions of the treatment facility (100).

6. System, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said system (1) comprises software for processing and / or analyzing data stored in the database (51), which is preferably configured to perform descriptive and / or inferential statistical analyses or to implement machine learning algorithms for data analysis, more preferably to identify recurring models or patterns for the purposes of future forecasting or decision making and / or for quality control analysis and / or process optimization.

7. System, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes: - a reading device (20), and / or input systems to provide said electronic unit (50) with a code (11) for each skin (12), for each machine (30) to perform the processing of the skins (12) provided for in the installation (100), and / or - a reading device (20) and / or input systems to provide said electronic unit (50) with a code (11) for each skin (12), for each predefined position along the installation (100).

8. System, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each reading device (20) comprises: Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 42 / 98 5 / 7 - at least one acquisition device (21) that is configured to capture digital images of each skin (12), - a processor electronically connected to said acquisition device (21) in order to receive digital images acquired by said device (21), and on which is loaded a software (29) which, when executed, is configured to detect and recognize, based on the images received, the code (11) applied to each skin (12).

9. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each acquisition device (21) comprises a linear camera and illumination means (16) mounted on each acquisition device (21) to illuminate the skin (12) when it enters the field of view (18) of the corresponding acquisition device (21).

10. System, according to claims 8 or 9, characterized in that each acquisition device (21) is positioned above the skins (12) so as to frame from above the skins that pass sequentially within the field of view (18) of the corresponding device (21), and wherein each acquisition device (21) comprises: - a linear camera that captures an image by capturing at least one line of pixels at a time, - an encoder that sends the corresponding signals to the acquisition device (21) or to the processor used to assemble the lines of pixels acquired by the linear camera, in order to reconstruct a complete image.

11. System, in accordance with one or more of Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page. 43 / 98 6 / 7 previous claims, characterized in that the software (29) loaded onto the processor and / or executed by the processor of the reading device (20) comprises: - a first software module (22) equipped with a first machine learning model (ML1), which has already been trained, which: - as input receives all images (26) of each skin (12) captured by the acquisition device (21), - as output provides an indication (27') of the presence or absence of a code (11) in the image of the skin (12) and also an indication (27' ' ) of the position, within the image (26) of the skin (12), where the code (11), if it exists, is located, - a second software module (23) configured to implement a second machine learning model (ML2) already trained, which: - as input,It only receives selected images (26') of the skin (12) in which the presence of a code (11) has been detected and also the indication (27''), provided as output by the first machine learning model ML1, of the position where the code (11) is located in each selected image (26') of the skin (12), - as output (28) provides the recognized code (11) in digital format.

12. System, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said system (1) further comprises a marking apparatus Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 44 / 98 7 / 7 (60) for applying a code (11) to a skin (12) to be processed or already processed in the treatment facility (100).

13. System, according to the previous claim, characterized in that the marking apparatus (60) comprises at least one laser device (61) that is configured to apply the code (11) to each skin (12) by laser incision.

14. System, according to the previous claim, characterized in that the marking apparatus (60) comprises: - a base (62) for receiving the skin (12) to be marked, - an enclosure (64) for internally defining a processing chamber, inside which is located the field of action (65) of the laser device (61), and in which, preferably, the processing chamber is fluid-connected to an aspiration device (70), - means of movement (63) for bringing the skin (12) receiving base (62) closer to / further away from the carcass (64), or vice versa.

15. Installation (100) for processing hides (12) sequentially to perform one or more processing operations on hides (12), said installation (100) comprising one or more machines (30) sequentially for processing hides (12) and at least one conveyor belt for advancing the hides (12) through the installation (100), and characterized by further comprising a hide (12) management system (1) as defined in one or more of the preceding claims. Petition 870250080778, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 45 / 98

Images