Observation and / or inspection of material web

Abstract

A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for observing and / or inspecting a material web, comprising a first camera unit for capturing first image data of the material web; a first computing unit, which is connected to the first camera unit via a first camera connection line, and which is designed to receive and optionally process the first image data; and a second computing unit designed to receive and optionally process the first image data from the first computing unit. The first computing unit and the second computing unit are connected via a first USB line. The first image data is transmitted to the second computing unit via the first USB line. The first computing unit includes a first USB interface and the second computing unit includes a second USB interface, where the first USB interface and the second USB interface are connected via a first USB line, where the first USB interface and the second USB interface are incorporated into a network. Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a device for treating a material web, comprising a material web and a device for observing and / or inspecting the material web.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for viewing and / or inspecting a material web and a device for processing a material web, the device comprising a material web and a device for viewing and / or inspecting the material web. In particular, the invention relates to the transmission of image data when viewing and / or inspecting the material web. Background Art

[0002] Material webs and devices for their processing are used, for example, in the paper and film industry, for example in printing houses. Typically, a material web, for example made of paper, plastic and / or metal, is moved in a longitudinal direction via a motorized roller system of the device. For example, a movement transverse to the longitudinal direction can be controlled via a so-called rotating frame system within the device. In conjunction with the movement in the longitudinal direction, the material web can be processed with a high degree of automation. The processing can include, for example, printing, cutting and / or sorting. An increased speed of the material web in the longitudinal direction, for example a speed of up to 1300 m / min, advantageously increases the throughput, but at the same time places high demands on the devices for processing the material web and on the devices for observing and / or inspecting the material web.

[0003] When processing a material web, a device for observing and / or checking the material web can be used, for example in order to always ensure that the automated processing meets a preset quality standard. In addition to automatic monitoring, visual monitoring can also be provided by a process monitor (operator). In this type of quality assurance, the material web is guided under an observation and / or inspection system that records an image of the material web. The image can then be checked by the process monitor (operator) or automatically checked. For example, it can be checked via the device for observing and / or checking whether different printing colors are applied to the material web without (perceptible) deviations or whether there are general errors in printing or material damage, etc. USB lines specified according to USB 3.0 or higher standards are known in the prior art. Ethernet can be used via the USB interface via the g_ether driver in the Linux-USB Gadget API framework.

[0004] In printing houses, production processes are becoming faster and more precise. The quality of the printed results is constantly increasing, and waste must be reduced to a minimum.

[0005] Devices for viewing and / or checking usually include a first camera unit for recording first image data from a material web. With increasing resolution of the first image data and increasing speed of the material web in the longitudinal direction (i.e. more images per second are required), large amounts of data are generated, which should be transmitted to the first computing unit as close to real time as possible for viewing and / or checking purposes. This results in a high transmission rate of the image data.

[0006] The device for observation and / or inspection usually (but not necessarily) comprises at least one second camera unit, which captures second image data from the material web, for example at different positions of the device for processing the material web. The large amount of data should also be transmitted to the first computing unit as real-time as possible. If at least the first and second image data are to be processed as real-time as possible on the first computing unit, i.e. almost simultaneously, the first computing unit must be designed with corresponding high performance for this purpose. Thus, for example, the first computing unit must include graphics processing performance suitable for this, which is designed to process at least the first and second image data at a correspondingly high transmission rate. Of course, such a first computing unit cannot currently be implemented as an efficient and inexpensive embedded (i.e., for example, task-specific) computing unit, in particular because, for example, the waste heat of the graphics card will be too large and / or a fan must be installed. Instead of this, for example, a desktop computing unit that is more expensive than two embedded computing units will be required, which are respectively designed to: process the first image data or the second image data. In addition, two embedded computing units are also more resource-saving than one desktop computing unit.

[0007] However, desktop computing units have also proven to be disadvantageous, because the device for observing and / or checking material webs should be provided according to customer expectations and in particular in a modular manner. In particular, as many identical components as possible should be used for different (according to customer expectations) embodiments of the device for observing and / or checking material webs. In addition to cost savings, this also achieves retrofitability. For example, if the device for observing and / or checking material webs should just include only the first camera unit, a non-embedded computing unit - for example a desktop computing unit with a large graphics card, (multiple) fans, etc. - is oversized for processing only the first image data from the first camera unit and is particularly associated with an unnecessarily large power consumption (and is certainly too expensive, see above). If, on the other hand, an embedded computing unit is provided for the application case with just the first camera unit and a large non-embedded computing unit is provided for other application cases with at least the first and second camera units, this would not meet the desired modularity, because these devices, in particular their software, must be designed differently depending on whether they include one or more camera units. If the customer subsequently requires a second camera unit, an additional device, in particular its software, is formed that requires additional design. This retrofit option should also be provided.

[0008] According to the invention, therefore, for the first and second camera units, a (preferably embedded) computing unit is used in each case for processing the corresponding image data, depending on the requirements in question.

[0009] In this case, in order to be able to analyze at least the first and second image data simultaneously on a computing unit (here: second computing unit) to observe and / or inspect the material web, it is desirable to transmit the first image data from the first computing unit to the second computing unit as quickly as possible in real time.

[0010] As is known in the prior art, the first computing unit can be connected to the second computing unit via an Ethernet controller and an Ethernet cable for (at least) transmitting image data. Of course, with regard to the already discussed application cases of transmitting image data at increasingly higher transmission rates, Ethernet controllers and Ethernet cables of up to 1 Gbit / s are no longer sufficient. In fact, the transmission rate of 120 MB / s obtained for 20 RGB megapixel images, each with a size of 60 MB, at an image rate of, for example, 2 Hz already exceeds the actual maximum achievable transmission rate of about 112 MB / s with a 1 Gbit / s Ethernet controller and Ethernet cable (for example due to overhead in the Ethernet frame). Although faster Ethernet controllers and Ethernet cables are available for, for example, up to 10 Gbit / s, they are associated with (currently) excessively high costs. In addition, even higher resolutions (30 RGB megapixel images, each with a size of 90 MB) and higher image frequencies (for example 15 or 16 Hz) are desired, for which even 10 Gbit / s Ethernet controllers and Ethernet cables are no longer sufficient. For the same reason, 2.5 or 5 Gbit / s Ethernet controllers and Ethernet cables are not considered here. Ethernet controllers and Ethernet cables with transmission rates exceeding 10 Gbit / s are feasible but are currently too expensive. Summary of the invention

[0011] Therefore - in addition to the division of the computing unit into a first computing unit and a second computing unit - it can be seen as an object of the present invention to propose an alternative and in particular cheaper (compared to, for example, a 10 Gbit / s Ethernet controller and an Ethernet cable) device for observing and / or inspecting material webs, in which image data can be transmitted from the first computing unit to the second computing unit at a sufficiently high transmission rate.

[0012] For example, the object of the present invention is achieved by a device for observing and / or inspecting a material web according to a first general aspect. The device comprises a first camera unit for capturing first image data of the material web. The device further comprises a first computing unit connected to the first camera unit via a first camera connection line, wherein the first computing unit is designed to receive and optionally process the first image data. The device further comprises a second computing unit, which is designed to receive and optionally process the first image data from the first computing unit. The first computing unit and the second computing unit are connected via a first USB line. The first image data can be transmitted to the second computing unit via the first USB line.

[0013] The device according to the first general aspect may include an interface which is connected to the second computing unit and is designed to receive and output the first image data from the second computing unit. Such an interface allows (manual) intervention in the course of processing the material web, if necessary. For example, this can ensure that a predetermined quality standard is met and / or that waste is reduced.

[0014] Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0015] Also disclosed is an apparatus for processing a material web according to a second general aspect. The apparatus comprises a material web. The apparatus further comprises an apparatus for observing and / or inspecting a material web according to the first general aspect (or an embodiment thereof).

[0016] The device according to the first general aspect (or an embodiment thereof) comprises two computing units, wherein data, in particular image data, can be transferred from a first computing unit to a second computing unit via a USB line.

[0017] As already discussed, for reasons such as efficiency, modularity and / or cost, it is advantageous to use two computing units with data transmission instead of one computing unit, in particular if efficient and inexpensive embedded (i.e., for example, task-specific) computing units are used as the first and second computing units. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the second computing unit is connected to the interface, for example, the first computing unit (e.g., close to the first camera unit) can be arranged at a different location of the material web than the second computing unit (e.g., close to the interface and / or close to the second camera unit). On the other hand, the first and second computing units do not have to be arranged separately from each other and can rather also be arranged side by side or close to each other. Alternatively, in the latter case, the first and second computing units can also be implemented by computing units, in particular by non-embedded desktop computing units that are usually placed in a switch cabinet. Although such a computing unit eliminates the need for data transmission between the first and second computing units, such desktop computing units are not considered here for the reasons already discussed, such as efficiency, modularity and / or cost.

[0018] Traditionally, two computing units can be connected via their Ethernet controllers and an Ethernet cable (e.g. at an Ethernet switch). For sufficiently fast data transmission of large image data, the Ethernet controller as well as the Ethernet cable must be designed for at least 2.5 Gbit / s, sometimes even 10 Gbit / s. However, such hardware is (currently) associated with excessively high costs. By providing a transmission via a USB interface and a USB line instead of an Ethernet controller and an Ethernet cable, the device according to the first general aspect (or an embodiment thereof) avoids such high costs.

[0019] The device according to the first and second general aspects is based on the knowledge that the first USB line between the first and second computing units can be used for sufficiently fast data transmission. This is particularly advantageous because the first and second computing units already have suitable USB interfaces (for example specifying USB 3.0 or higher) even if they are designed as embedded computing units and no additional costs are incurred in this regard.

[0020] Particularly advantageous are embodiments in which the USB interface is integrated into a network, in particular an Ethernet. In this case, a virtual network device can be used, the maximum burst setting of which has been increased. This allows more data to be transmitted simultaneously and the transmission rate to be increased (depending on the desired application). In addition, the virtual network interface can advantageously be used in the first and second computing units, the respective maximum transmission units (MTU) of which are increased. This also allows the transmission rate to be increased (depending on the desired application). This makes it possible, for example, for image frequencies of 15 Hz to be possible, for which even a 1 Gbit / s Ethernet controller and an Ethernet cable would no longer be sufficient.

[0021] For example, due to the image transmission rate achievable by the proposed device according to the first or second general aspect (or its embodiment), the printing process from the setup phase of the task to the end can be supported by continuously displaying the printed format with the highest resolution and image quality. The highest resolution is permanently provided to the printing press for quality-critical areas in printing, such as registration and color markings or unique color planes, thereby ensuring the production process. As a result, the production speed can be increased while the printing quality is at least constant. In addition, waste can be reduced. Different embodiments of the device can be implemented particularly advantageously by the same components. The present invention realizes that the components of the device for observing and / or checking the material format are constructed with exactly the same configuration. This also advantageously enables subsequent installation, such as the installation of a second camera unit. In addition, storage and maintenance are simplified due to the use of the same components. In addition, there is no additional cost when maintaining the operating system and software.

[0022] Due to the device according to the invention it is also achieved that the costs of the individual devices for observing and / or inspecting material webs without the multi-camera unit are not increased, if a subset of the multi-camera units only accounts for a small share of the overall sold devices for observing and / or inspecting material webs.

[0023] In the case of a device for viewing and / or checking material webs without a multi-camera unit, the USB interface for connecting one computing unit to another computing unit can be used for other functions, i.e., for example, peripheral devices. This solution is also very well suited for connection to client computing units. There are also Windows drivers that enable the use of client computing units that also have USB interfaces 3.0 or higher. This eliminates the need for a 10 Gbit / s Ethernet controller or a 10 Gbit / s network card for the client computing unit. In the vast majority of cases, a 10 Gbit / s connection does not exist, but a USB 3.0 or higher connection does.

[0024] The proposed device according to the first or second general aspect (or its embodiments) is effective, cheap and resource-saving. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 An exemplary device for observing and / or inspecting a material web is schematically shown, comprising a first camera unit, a first computing unit and a second computing unit.

[0026] Figure 2 An exemplary device for processing a material web, in particular for observing and / or inspecting a material web, is schematically shown, comprising a first camera unit, a first computing unit, a second computing unit and an interface.

[0027] Figure 3 An exemplary device for processing a material web, in particular for observing and / or inspecting a material web, is schematically shown, comprising a first camera unit, a second camera unit, a first computing unit, a second computing unit and an interface.

[0028] Figure 4 An exemplary device for processing a material web, in particular for observing and / or inspecting a material web, is schematically shown, comprising a first camera unit, a second camera unit, a first computing unit, a second computing unit, a third computing unit and an interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Firstly, a device 100 for observing and / or inspecting a material web 10 is disclosed. Figure 1100 is shown exemplarily and schematically. The device 100 comprises a first camera unit 110 for capturing first image data of a material web 10. The camera unit may comprise one or more image sensors and optionally one or more lighting devices for capturing images. The first camera unit 110 may, for example, comprise one or more cameras, in particular digital cameras. For example, the first camera unit 110 may comprise a telephoto and / or wide-angle camera. The first image data may comprise an image of the material web 10, in particular an image of one side of the material web 10. In other words, the first image data may be generated from capturing the surface of the material web 10. In addition, the first image data may be generated by, for example, further capturing the surface of the material web 10 at a preset image frequency. The first image data may comprise an image having an image frequency of at least 2 Hz, preferably at least 5 Hz, particularly preferably at least 15 Hz. For example, the image frequency may be 15 or 16 Hz. The image may comprise at least 8 megapixels or at least 8 RGB megapixels. The image may preferably comprise at least 14 megapixels or at least 14 RGB megapixels. Particularly preferably, the image may comprise at least 20 megapixels or at least 20 RGB megapixels.

[0030] The device 100 further comprises a first computing unit 120, which is connected to the first camera unit 110 via a first camera connection line 130 and is designed to receive the first image data. The first computing unit 120 can also be designed to process the first image data. The first camera connection line 130 can also be a USB line, for example. The computing unit can, for example, include a central processing unit, a data memory and a working memory for electronic processing of data, and a USB interface. The first computing unit 120 is preferably an embedded (i.e., for example, task-specific) computing unit. For example, such an embedded computing unit is more efficient, more resource-saving and cheaper than a desktop computing unit.

[0031] The device 100 further comprises a second computing unit 121, which is designed to receive the first image data from the first computing unit 120, wherein the first image data processed by the first computing unit 120 can be received. The second computing unit 121 can also be designed to (further) process the first image data (processed) by the first computing unit 120. The second computing unit 121 is preferably also an embedded (i.e., for example, task-specific) computing unit. For example, such an embedded computing unit is more efficient, more resource-saving and cheaper than a desktop computing unit. The embedded first and second computing units 120, 121 are also more efficient, resource-saving and cheaper than a single desktop computing unit. The second computing unit 121 can be a client computing unit. For example, a client computing unit can be used if the client only wants the image data to be available and then wants to display it on its own client interface via its own client computing unit. For example, the operation of the first camera unit 110 can also be performed via the client computing unit.

[0032] The first computing unit 120 and the second computing unit 121 are connected via a first USB line 140 (and optionally via further connecting elements). The first image data are transmitted to the second computing unit 121 via the first USB line 140, wherein the first image data processed by the first computing unit 120 can be transmitted via the first USB line 140.

[0033] The device 100 is primarily intended for the transmission of image data. Alternatively or additionally, (any) data, i.e. not necessarily only first image data, may be transmitted via the first USB line 140. Non-image data may include, for example, control information and / or operating parameters of the first camera unit 110. Furthermore, the first USB line 140 may also be used for: transmitting (any) data from the second computing unit 121 to the first computing unit 120. The data may, for example, include control information for the first camera unit 110, in particular from the interface 150.

[0034] like Figure 2-4 1 , the device 100 may include an interface 150 connected to the second computing unit 121. The interface 150 may be configured to receive the first image data from the second computing unit 121. The interface 150 may also be configured to output the received first image data, for example, to a process monitor. In the case where the first image data is processed by the first and / or second computing unit, the first image data processed by the first and / or second computing unit may be received from the interface 150 and optionally output.

[0035] The interface 150 may include an output device such as a screen. Alternatively or additionally, the interface 150 may include an input device, such as a keyboard and / or a mouse. Figure 2-4 As shown in , the interface 150 may include a screen as well as a keyboard and a mouse. Alternatively, the input device and the output device may be integrated in one device. For example, the input device and the output device may be integrated in a touch screen. The first and / or second image data may be output on the interface 150 via the input device, for example, at different zoom levels.

[0036] Each computing unit used in devices 100 and 200 may include a corresponding interface that may be used to maintain and / or debug the corresponding computing unit.

[0037] As in Figure 3-4 , the device 100 may include a second camera unit 111 for capturing second image data of the material web 10. The camera unit may include one or more image sensors and optionally one or more lighting devices to capture images. The second camera unit 111 may, for example, include one or more cameras, in particular digital cameras. For example, the second camera unit 111 may include a telephoto and / or wide-angle camera. The second image data may include an image of the material web 10, in particular an image of one side (the same side or the other side) of the material web 10. In other words, the second image data may be generated from the capture of the surface of the material web 10. In addition, the second image data may be generated by further capturing the surface of the material web 10, for example, at a preset image frequency. The second image data may include an image with an image frequency of at least 2 Hz, preferably at least 5 Hz, and particularly preferably at least 15 Hz. For example, the image frequency may be 15 or 16 Hz. The image may include at least 8 megapixels or at least 8 RGB megapixels. The image may preferably include at least 14 megapixels or at least 14 RGB megapixels. Particularly preferably, the image may include at least 20 megapixels or at least 20 RGB megapixels.

[0038] Due to at least two camera units with sufficiently high resolution, image data can be acquired more intensively during the processing of the material web 10. For example, the camera units enable the display of the printed image at the web that is being processed with the highest detail and / or color fidelity. In this case, the camera units can be moved manually or motor-driven in order to move to a position above the material web 10 with the highest precision in order to display the corresponding image, for example, on the interface 150. Depending on the zoom level, the telephoto or wide-angle camera of the camera units 110, 111 can be activated. During zooming, it is then possible to switch between the telephoto camera and the wide-angle camera without being noticed. As a result, the printed image can be displayed at a multiple of its resolution. This enables (almost) delay-free zooming to the highest resolution.

[0039] like Figure 3 Schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the second computing unit 121 can be connected to the second camera unit 111 via a second camera connection line 131. The second computing unit 121 can be configured to receive the second image data. The second computing unit 121 can also be configured to process the second image data. The second camera connection line 131 can also be a USB line, for example.

[0040] Alternatively, if Figure 4 , the device 100 may include a third computing unit 122, which is connected to the second camera unit 111 via a second camera connection line 131 and is designed to receive second image data. The third computing unit 122 may also be designed to process the second image data. The third computing unit 122 is preferably also an embedded (i.e., for example, task-specific) computing unit. The second camera connection line 131 may also be, for example, a USB line. The second computing unit 121 and the third computing unit 122 may be connected via a second USB line 141. The second image data may then be transmitted to the second computing unit 121 via the second USB line 141. A sufficiently fast data transmission via the second USB line 141 may (but not necessarily) be implemented as a data transmission via the first USB line 140 (e.g., where the maximum burst setting of the virtual network device is equal to 15 and the MTU of the virtual network interface is changed to 15300, see below). In addition, as in the first USB line 140, non-image data may also be transmitted in both directions via the second USB line 141 if necessary.

[0041] The interface 150 may be designed to (also) receive the second image data from the second computing unit. The interface 150 may also (also) be designed to output the received second image data, for example, to a process monitor. In the case where the second image data is processed by the second or third computing unit 121, the second image data processed by the second or third computing unit may be received from the interface 150 and optionally output.

[0042] The data frequencies of the first image data and the second image data may, but need not be, the same. For example, the first image data and the second image data may be (almost) synchronously output on the interface 150. For example, the first image data may be recorded from one side of the material web 10, and the second image data may be recorded from the other side of the material web 10. Alternatively, in another example, the first image data and the second image data may be recorded from the same side of the material web 10. In each of these cases, the first image data and the second image data may be recorded offset or at the same position (e.g., in the longitudinal direction of the material web).

[0043] Since the second camera unit 111 is connected to the second computing unit 121 either via the second camera connection line 131 or via the second camera connection line 131 and the second USB line 141, the first and second image data can be monitored in (almost) real time at the second computing unit 121, i.e. at a single computing unit and in particular via the interface 150 connected to the second computing unit 121. This can improve the observation and / or inspection of the material web 10. A further advantage is that the second camera unit 111 and, if necessary, the third computing unit 122 can be retrofitted in all embodiments of the device 100.

[0044] The first camera unit 110 and the second camera unit 111 and, if necessary, further camera units can be controlled independently of one another in an operating mode via the input device of the interface 150. In another operating mode, the first camera unit 110 and the second camera unit 111 and, if necessary, further camera units can be controlled in a coupled manner via the input device of the interface 150, for example in a leading / following mode. For example, the first camera unit 110 can be used for register checking and / or color monitoring, and the second camera unit 111 can be used for independent work. Alternatively or additionally (for example, at different points in time), the first camera unit 110 and the second camera unit 111 can be used to monitor processes that follow one another. Alternatively or additionally (for example, at different points in time), the first camera unit 110 and the second camera unit 111 can be used to monitor the web edges on the left and right sides of the material web 10 (regarding parallelism). Alternatively or additionally (for example, at different points in time), the first camera unit 110 and the second camera unit 111 can be used to check the front side register and the rear side register (for example, via grid lines). Alternatively or additionally (eg, at different points in time), the first camera unit 110 and the second camera unit 111 may be used for a combination of white light and UV light.

[0045] The first computing unit 120 may include a first USB interface, and the second computing unit 121 may include a second USB interface, wherein the first USB interface and the second USB interface may be connected via a first USB line 140. In this case, the first computing unit 120 and the second computing unit 121 may be connected as shown in FIG. Figure 1-4 In other words, data transmission can be achieved via a point-to-point connection between the first computing unit and the second computing unit.

[0046] The third computing unit 122 (if present) may include a third USB interface, wherein the third USB interface and the second USB interface (or the third USB interface and the fourth USB interface of the second computing unit 121) are connected via the second USB line 141. In this case, the second computing unit 121 and the third computing unit 122 may be connected as shown in FIG. Figure 4 In other words, data transmission can be achieved via a point-to-point connection between the second computing unit and the third computing unit.

[0047] The USB interface may be a physical connection option (eg, a socket) for the USB lines 140, 141. The USB lines 140, 141 may be a cable for connecting two USB interfaces.

[0048] The computing units 120 and 121 can respectively operate in host or device mode. For example, the first computing unit 120 can operate in device mode and the second computing unit 121 can operate in host mode. For example, for such a connection, the computing units must be respectively equipped with USB-C ports. The USB-C port must support switching between host / device modes with the aid of the USB OTG specification. Special circuits are implemented for the computing units 120 and 121: identifying whether there is a voltage Vdd on the first USB line 140. The host or device mode can be switched dynamically. Regarding the second USB line 141 (if present), for example, the third computing unit 122 can operate in device mode, and the second computing unit 121 can operate in host mode.

[0049] The first USB interface and the second USB interface may be incorporated into a network, wherein the network may preferably be an Ethernet network.

[0050] For this purpose, the first USB interface can be incorporated into the network via a virtual network device. The third USB interface can also be incorporated into the network or another network via a (further) virtual network device. The network device can be a peripheral device that can be used in a computing unit for building a network connection. The network device can be virtual, that is, the network device does not exist physically, but only exists in the working memory of one or more computing units, that is, it is simulated. Thus, the USB interface can be used in a network, especially in an Ethernet. The virtual network device can be based on the Linux driver g_ether of the Linux-USB gadget API framework. In other words, using the Linux driver g_ether, a virtual network device can be generated. Using the Linux driver g_ether has been proven to be advantageous because the maximum burst setting of the virtual network device can be selected. The maximum burst setting of the virtual network device can be greater than 0. Preferably, the maximum burst setting of the virtual network device can be greater than or equal to 10. Particularly preferably, the maximum burst setting of the virtual network device can be equal to 15. The larger the maximum burst setting of the virtual network device, the more data that can be sent at the same time. Thus, the transmission rate can be advantageously improved. Therefore, the maximum burst setting of 15 achieves a transmission rate as fast as possible.

[0051] The network may be configured by the first computing unit 120 via a first virtual network interface. The network interface may include a software interface belonging to hardware for configuring a network connection. The network interface may be virtual, i.e., the hardware (here, the network device) belonging to the software interface does not exist physically, but only exists virtually.

[0052] The maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the first virtual network interface may be configured (i.e., selected) to be greater than 1500. Preferably, the maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the first virtual network interface may be configured to be greater than 7000. Particularly preferably, the maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the first virtual network interface may be configured to be equal to 15300.

[0053] The network may be configured by the second computing unit 121 via a second virtual network interface. For example, when a Linux distribution is executed on the second computing unit 121, the virtual network device may be incorporated as a second virtual network interface, for example, through the Linux driver cdc_ether for Linux CDC Ethernet support. Alternatively, when a Windows operating system is run on the second computing unit 121, for example, the virtual network device may be incorporated as a second virtual network interface through a Windows RNDIS (gadget) driver.

[0054] The maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the second virtual network interface can be configured (i.e., selected) to be greater than 1500. Preferably, the maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the second virtual network interface can be configured to be greater than 7000. Particularly preferably, the maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the second virtual network interface can be configured to be equal to 15300.

[0055] The larger the maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the first and second virtual network interfaces is selected, the more data can be transmitted in one transmission unit (Unit). This can also advantageously increase the transmission rate. It can be advantageous to configure the maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the first and second virtual network interfaces identically so that the transmission units do not have to be split or merged.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the device 100, the maximum burst setting of the virtual network device can be equal to 15, and the maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the first virtual network interface and the second virtual network interface can be equal to 15300. Once the connection between the two computing units (e.g., between the first computing unit 120 and the second computing unit 121) is established, for example, a Windows RNDIS (gadget) driver can be activated on the host. The driver implements the establishment of the virtual network connection. For example, by modifying the maximum burst setting in the driver itself from 0 to, for example, 15, and changing the MTU of the virtual network interface to 15300, the transmission rate can be increased to about 2.6 Gbit / s compared to about 25 Mbit / s without modifying to USB2.

[0057] In fact, the present invention has been tested with the aid of two embedded computing units. Due to the existing USB 3USB-C OTG ports, the embedded computing units have been running as devices. The above modifications have been performed on the ports (the maximum burst setting of the virtual network device is equal to 15, and the MTU of the virtual network interface is changed to 15300). The measured transmission rate is about 3.2Gbit / s. In addition, a TCP connection has been established with the aid of two programs, which transmits simulated image data. In this scenario, which is perceived as a practical application, a transmission rate of about 2.6Gbit / s can be achieved, which corresponds to about 325MB / s. Therefore, for example, first image data with 20RGB megapixels (60MB per image) and an image frequency of 5Hz can be transmitted from the first computing unit 120 to the second computing unit 121 (the required transmission rate is 300MB / s). Alternatively, for example, first image data with 6.6 RGB megapixels (20 MB per image) and an image frequency of 15 Hz can already be transmitted from the first computing unit 120 to the second computing unit 121 (required transmission rate 300 MB / s).

[0058] The first USB line 140, the first camera connection line 130 and / or the second camera connection line 131 (total) may have a length of at least 10 m, at least 50 m or at least 100 m. Alternatively or additionally, the second USB line 141, the first camera connection line 130 and / or the second camera connection line 131 (total) may have a length of at least 10 m, at least 50 m or at least 100 m.

[0059] The first USB line 140 can, for example, have a length of at least 2 cm, at least 10 m, at least 50 m or at least 100 m. Alternatively or additionally, the first camera connection line 130 can, for example, have a length of at least 2 cm, at least 10 m, at least 50 m or at least 100 m. Alternatively or additionally, the second camera connection line 131 (if present) can, for example, have a length of at least 2 cm, at least 10 m, at least 50 m or at least 100 m. For example, the first computing unit 120 and the second computing unit 121 can be adjacent to each other, so that the first USB line 140 only needs to have a shorter length. The shortest length of the first USB line 140 is derived from the sum of the two USB plugs and is, for example, 2 cm. Due to the possible different lengths, the first computing unit 120, the second computing unit 121, the first camera unit 110 and, if necessary, the second camera unit 111 can be arranged at different positions on the material web 10 according to customer expectations and / or requirements.

[0060] The second USB line 141 (if present) can also have a length of, for example, at least 2 cm, at least 10 m, at least 50 m or at least 100 m. Alternatively or additionally, the second camera connection line 131 (if present) can have a length of, for example, at least 2 cm, at least 10 m, at least 50 m or at least 100 m. For example, the second computing unit 121 and the third computing unit 122 can be adjacent to each other so that the second USB line 141 has only a shorter length. The shortest length of the second USB line 141 is also derived from the sum of the two USB plugs and is, for example, 2 cm. Due to the possible different lengths, the second computing unit 121, the third computing unit 122 and the second camera unit 111 can be arranged at different positions on the material web 10 according to customer expectations and / or requirements (if any).

[0061] The different lengths provide maximum flexibility when viewing and / or inspecting the material web 10 .

[0062] The first USB line 140, i.e., the transmission technology, can be specified according to USB 3.0 or higher standards. For example, the first USB line 140 can be specified according to one of the USB 3.0, USB 3.1, or USB 3.2 standards. If present, the second USB line 141, i.e., the transmission technology, can also be specified according to the USB 3.0 standard or higher standards. For example, the second USB line 141 can be specified according to one of the USB 3.0, USB 3.1, or USB 3.2 standards. The higher the specification, the higher the transfer rate.

[0063] The first USB line 140 may comprise a copper conductor. This is particularly advantageous if the first computing unit 120 and the second computing unit 121 are connected via a short first USB line 140, since here more expensive optical waveguides can be avoided without sacrificing the transmission rate. Alternatively, the first USB line 140 may comprise an optical waveguide, in particular a glass fiber inner conductor. If the first USB line 140 is longer and the desired transmission rate can only be achieved via an optical waveguide, an optical waveguide may be preferred over a copper conductor despite its higher cost.

[0064] The second USB line 141 may comprise a copper conductor. This is particularly advantageous if the second computing unit 121 and the third computing unit 122 are connected via a short second USB line 141, since more expensive optical waveguides can be avoided here without sacrificing the transmission rate. Alternatively, the second USB line 141 may comprise an optical waveguide, in particular a glass fiber inner conductor. If the second USB line 141 is longer and the desired transmission rate can only be achieved via an optical waveguide, an optical waveguide may be preferred over a copper conductor despite its higher cost.

[0065] Both optical waveguides and copper conductors can be specified according to USB 3.0 or higher.

[0066] The second or fourth USB interface and the third USB interface can be incorporated into another network, preferably another Ethernet. The third USB interface can be incorporated into the other network via a third virtual network device. The other network can be configured by the third computing unit 122 via the third virtual network interface. The second or fourth USB interface can be incorporated into the other network via a fourth virtual network device. The other network can be configured by the second computing unit 121 via the fourth virtual network interface.

[0067] Also disclosed is a device 200 for processing a material web 10, which Figure 2-4Schematically shown in . The device 200 comprises a material web 10 and each embodiment of the device 100 disclosed herein for observing and / or inspecting a material web 10. The device 200 typically comprises further elements, namely, for example, one or more web guiding systems, which comprise a drive, a controller and a roller for moving the material web 10 in the longitudinal direction. The device 200 also comprises, for example, at least one processing device for processing the material web 10, such as, for example, at least one printing roller, at least one printing head and / or a web cutting system.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, the present invention may also be defined according to the following embodiments:

[0069] 1. A device (100) for observing and / or inspecting a material web (10), the device comprising:

[0070] A first camera unit (110) for capturing first image data of a material frame (10);

[0071] a first computing unit (120), which is connected to the first camera unit via a first camera connection line (130), and is designed to receive and optionally process first image data;

[0072] a second computing unit (121) designed to receive and optionally process the first image data from the first computing unit (120);

[0073] The first computing unit (120) and the second computing unit (121) are connected via a first USB line (140);

[0074] The first image data is transmitted to the second computing unit (121) via the first USB line (140).

[0075] 2. The device (100) according to embodiment 1, comprising:

[0076] An interface (150) is connected to the second computing unit (121) and is designed to receive and output first image data from the second computing unit (121).

[0077] 3. The device (100) according to any one of the above embodiments, comprising:

[0078] The second camera unit (111) is used to capture second image data of the material web (10).

[0079] 4. The device (100) according to embodiment 3, wherein the second computing unit (121) is connected to the second camera unit (111) via a second camera connection line (131), and the second computing unit is designed to receive and optionally process second image data.

[0080] 5. The device (100) according to embodiment 3, comprising:

[0081] A third computing unit (122) is connected to the second camera unit (111) via a second camera connection line (131), and is designed to receive and optionally process second image data.

[0082] 6. The device (100) according to embodiment 5, wherein the second computing unit (121) and the third computing unit (122) are connected via a second USB line (141);

[0083] The second image data is transmitted to the second computing unit (121) via the second USB line (141).

[0084] 7. The device (100) according to any of the above embodiments referring to embodiments 2 and 3, wherein the interface (150) is designed to receive and output second image data from the second computing unit (121).

[0085] 8. A device (100) according to any one of the aforementioned specific implementation schemes, wherein the first computing unit (120) includes a first USB interface and the second computing unit (121) includes a second USB interface, wherein the first USB interface and the second USB interface are connected via a first USB line (140).

[0086] 9. The device (100) according to embodiment 8 referring to embodiment 6, wherein the third computing unit (122) comprises a third USB interface,

[0087] The third USB interface and the second USB interface are connected via a second USB line (141); or

[0088] The second computing unit (121) includes a fourth USB interface, and the third USB interface and the fourth USB interface are connected via a second USB line (141).

[0089] 10. The device (100) according to embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the first USB interface and the second USB interface are integrated into a network, preferably an Ethernet network.

[0090] 11. The device (100) according to embodiment 10, wherein the first USB interface is incorporated into the network via a virtual network device.

[0091] 12. The device (100) according to embodiment 11, wherein the virtual network device is based on a Linux driver g_ether of a Linux-USB Gadget API framework.

[0092] 13. The device (100) according to embodiment 11 or 12, wherein the maximum burst setting of the virtual network device is greater than 0, preferably greater than or equal to 10, and particularly preferably equal to 15.

[0093] 14. The device (100) according to any one of embodiments 10 to 13, wherein the network can be configured by the first computing unit (120) via the first virtual network interface.

[0094] 15. The device (100) according to embodiment 14, wherein a maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the first virtual network interface is configured to be greater than 1500, preferably greater than 7000, and particularly preferably 15300.

[0095] 16. The device (100) according to any one of embodiments 8 to 15, wherein the network can be configured by the second computing unit (121) via the second virtual network interface.

[0096] 17. The device (100) of embodiment 16 as cited in embodiment 11, wherein the virtual network device is incorporated as the second virtual network interface via a Linux driver cdc_ether of Linux CDC Ethernet support.

[0097] 18. The device (100) of embodiment 16 as recited in embodiment 11, wherein the virtual network device is incorporated as the second virtual network interface via a Windows RNDIS driver.

[0098] 19. The device (100) according to any one of the embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the second virtual network interface is configured to be greater than 1500, preferably greater than 7000, and particularly preferably 15300.

[0099] 20. A device (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first USB line (140), or, if embodiment 6 is cited, the second USB line (141), the first camera connection line (130) and / or, if embodiment 4 or 5 is cited, the second camera connection line (131) has a length of at least 10 m, at least 50 m or at least 100 m.

[0100] 21. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first USB line (140) is specified according to the USB 3.0 or higher standard, in particular wherein the first USB line (140) is specified according to the USB 3.0, USB 3.1 or USB 3.2 standard.

[0101] 22. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first USB line (140) comprises a copper conductor.

[0102] 23. The device (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first USB line (140) comprises an optical waveguide, in particular a glass fiber inner conductor.

[0103] 24. The device (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments as referenced in embodiment 6, wherein the second USB line (141) comprises a copper conductor.

[0104] 25. The device (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments referring to embodiment 6, wherein the second USB line (141) comprises an optical waveguide, in particular a glass fiber inner conductor.

[0105] 26. Device (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first image data and / or, if embodiment 3 is cited, the second image data, comprise images with an image frequency of at least 2 Hz, preferably at least 5 Hz, particularly preferably at least 15 Hz.

[0106] 27. The device (100) according to embodiment 26, wherein the image comprises at least 8 megapixels or at least 8 RGB megapixels, preferably at least 14 megapixels or at least 14 RGB megapixels, particularly preferably at least 20 megapixels or at least 20 RGB megapixels.

[0107] 28. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding embodiments as cited in Embodiment 7, wherein the first image data and the second image data are output synchronously on the interface (150).

[0108] 29. An apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments referring to embodiment 3, wherein the first image data are recorded from one side of the material web (10) and the second image data are recorded from the other side of the material web (10).

[0109] 30. The device (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments as referenced in embodiment 3, wherein the first image data and the second image data are recorded from the same side of the material web (10).

[0110] 31. The device (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments referring to embodiment 2, wherein the interface (150) comprises an input and / or output device, in particular a screen.

[0111] 32. The device (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments referring to embodiments 8 and 9, wherein the second or fourth USB interface and the third USB interface are integrated into another network, preferably into another Ethernet network.

[0112] 33. The device (100) of embodiment 32, wherein the third USB interface is incorporated into another network via a third virtual network device.

[0113] 34. The device (100) according to embodiment 32 or 33, wherein the other network can be configured by the third computing unit (122) via a third virtual network interface.

[0114] 35. The device (100) according to any one of embodiments 32 to 34, wherein the second or fourth USB interface is incorporated into another network via a fourth virtual network device.

[0115] 36. The device (100) according to any one of embodiments 32 to 35, wherein the other network can be configured by the second computing unit (121) via a fourth virtual network interface.

[0116] 37. A device (100) according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments referring to Embodiment 6, wherein the second USB line (141) is specified according to USB 3.0 or higher standards, in particular wherein the second USB line (141) is specified according to one of the USB 3.0, USB 3.1 or USB 3.2 standards.

[0117] 38. An apparatus (200) for processing a material web (10), comprising:

[0118] Material format (10);

[0119] A device (100) for observing and / or inspecting a material web (10) according to any of the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A device (100) for observing and / or inspecting a material web (10), the device comprising: A first camera unit (110) for capturing first image data of the material web (10); a first computing unit (120), which is connected to the first camera unit via a first camera connection line (130), the first computing unit being designed to receive and optionally process the first image data; a second computing unit (121) configured to receive and optionally process the first image data from the first computing unit (120); The first computing unit (120) and the second computing unit (121) are connected via a first USB line (140); wherein the first image data is transmitted to the second computing unit (121) via the first USB line (140); The first computing unit (120) comprises a first USB interface, and the second computing unit (121) comprises a second USB interface, wherein the first USB interface and the second USB interface are connected via the first USB line (140); The first USB interface and the second USB interface are integrated into a network.

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the network is Ethernet.

3. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: The second camera unit (111) is used for capturing second image data of the material web (10).

4. A device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first image data and / or, if dependent on claim 3, the second image data, comprise images with an image frequency of at least 2 Hz, preferably at least 5 Hz, particularly preferably at least 15 Hz.

5. The device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the image comprises at least 8 megapixels or at least 8 RGB megapixels, preferably at least 14 megapixels or at least 14 RGB megapixels, particularly preferably at least 20 megapixels or at least 20 RGB megapixels.

6. The device (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the second computing unit (121) is connected to the second camera unit (111) via a second camera connection line (131) and is designed to receive and optionally process the second image data.

7. The device (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising: A third computing unit (122) is connected to the second camera unit (111) via a second camera connection line (131), the third computing unit being designed to receive and optionally process the second image data.

8. The device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the second computing unit (121) and the third computing unit (122) are connected via a second USB line (141); The second image data is transmitted to the second computing unit (121) via the second USB line (141).

9. The device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first USB interface is incorporated into the network via a virtual network device.

10. The device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the maximum burst setting of the virtual network device is greater than 0, preferably greater than or equal to 10, particularly preferably equal to 15.

11. The device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the network is configurable by the first computing unit (120) via a first virtual network interface.

12. The device (100) according to claim 11, wherein the maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the first virtual network interface is configured to be greater than 1500, preferably greater than 7000, and particularly preferably 15300.

13. A device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the network can be configured by the second computing unit (121) via a second virtual network interface, optionally wherein the maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the second virtual network interface is configured to be greater than 1500, preferably greater than 7000, and particularly preferably 15300.

14. The device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first USB line (140) is specified according to the USB 3.0 standard or a higher standard, in particular wherein the first USB line (140) is specified according to one of the USB 3.0, USB 3.1 or USB 3.2 standards.

15. A device (200) for processing a material web (10), the device comprising: Material format (10); Device (100) for viewing and / or inspecting the material web (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images