Camera-based sheet monitoring system

Abstract

Sheet systems and methods measure physical properties of material deposited on a sheet in a pattern. A scanning sensor measures the physical properties of the deposited material as it travels in a machine direction (MD). In one aspect, the speed of the moving sheet in the MD is measured relative to time to generate a time-stamped signal. Visual images of the pattern are correlated to the time-stamped signal and the physical property measurements to generate an MD position profile that aligns the physical property measurements to the pattern on the sheet. In another aspect, visual images from multiple patterns on the sheet are converted to measurement data representing position parameters of the patterns on the sheet. The measurement data is used to adjust the speed of the sheet and the speed of the scanning sensor to modify the scan path of the scanning sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to quality control techniques for manufacturing sheet materials, and more specifically to a camera-based system that precisely matches measurements taken during the production of uncoated or coated sheet products (such as electrochemical battery electrodes) to allow for the identification of the edges of patches forming electrochemical battery electrodes during their manufacturing process. Background Technology

[0002] In-line measurement is used to inspect the properties of sheet material during manufacturing, enabling rapid control of the sheet-making process and thus ensuring sheet quality while reducing the amount of defective sheet material produced. One of the main complicating factors for performing in-line measurement during sheet making is that the physical properties of the sheet material typically vary in both the longitudinal (MD) and transverse directions. MD refers to the direction in which the sheet material travels during manufacturing, and the term transverse (CD) refers to the direction perpendicular to the MD that crosses the sheet surface.

[0003] To detect changes in the sheet material, a scanning sensor is used. This sensor periodically traverses the sheet-making machine laterally, detecting values ​​for selected sheet properties (such as basis weight or card thickness) along each scan. Typically, during each scan, the produced sheet is traversed from edge to edge. The time required for a typical scan is usually between several seconds and tens of seconds, depending on the lateral length, which can be several meters. Therefore, the rate at which such scanners provide measurement readings is typically adjustable; a typical rate is approximately one measurement reading per millisecond.

[0004] In practice, the measurement information provided by the scanning sensor is typically aggregated after each scan to provide a "profile" of the detected sheet properties in the lateral direction. In other words, each profile consists of a series of sheet measurements at adjacent locations in the lateral direction. The purpose of the profile is to allow for easy detection of lateral variations in sheet properties. Based on the detected lateral variations in the sheet properties, appropriate control adjustments can be made to the sheet forming machine to reduce profile variations in both the lateral and longitudinal directions.

[0005] A scanning sensor that periodically traverses a sheet at a roughly constant speed cannot measure selected sheet properties at a position precisely aligned perpendicular to the sheet's longitudinal edge. Due to the finite sheet speed, the scanning sensor actually travels diagonally across the sheet surface, resulting in a zigzag pattern in the direction perpendicular to the sheet's longitudinal edge for the continuous scanning path. In practice, the average of the profile measurements from each scan is typically calculated.

[0006] A conventional scanning system using one or more scanners delivers one or more transverse profiles to the customer, which are periodically updated at the end of each scan. In a multi-scanner system, these scanner profiles are obtained at different MD locations. No correlation is attempted when a sheet at an upstream scanner is actually (re)measured later by a downstream scanner.

[0007] In the manufacture of anode or cathode electrodes, metal foil from a metal roll is coated with a mixture comprising active materials to create battery electrodes. These active materials may cover the entire foil surface except for the edges, or may be applied in stripes along the production direction in the MD direction, or in discrete patches spanning the electrode width (in the transverse direction). Patches may also be applied in a rectangular pattern, with gaps present in the coating in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. As these coated electrodes undergo various production steps, physical properties such as areal weight and thickness are measured by scanning sensors. To achieve and maintain the quality of continuously patterned rectangular patch electrodes, the quality factor is measured constantly online.

[0008] Depending on the coating pattern, when scanning begins and across the sheet, the profile will include measurements from the coating sections, the gaps aligned longitudinally, and the gaps aligned laterally.

[0009] For the display, analysis, and control of such patch patterns, it is often useful to further process the scanned measurement results to focus only on the coated portions of the electrode patches. When using currently known manufacturing techniques and employing only scanned data, the edges of the patches become difficult to accurately identify due to measurement noise, sensor convolution of coated and uncoated electrodes at patch edges, and variations in edge position between scans. Furthermore, except in some specific cases, gaps between patches will appear at different locations within each contour and will typically be connected to the gaps between patches.

[0010] Therefore, in the manufacture of battery electrodes, it is desirable to provide an apparatus and method for an improved scanning method that can easily allow the edges of the patch to be identified so that the scanned measurement results are focused only on the coated portion of the electrode patch during the manufacture of the battery electrode. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In a first embodiment, a sheet system and method for measuring the properties of a material deposited on a sheet in multiple patterns are disclosed. The sheet containing multiple patterns is arranged to travel in a longitudinal direction (MD), which is scanned by a scanning sensor measuring the physical properties of each of the multiple patterns. The sheet system and method generate an MD position profile of the multiple patterns, the method comprising: measuring the MD speed of the moving sheet to generate a timestamped measured MD speed signal; and recording the timestamped measured MD speed signal and physical property measurements from the scanning sensor. The method further comprises: recording visual images of the multiple patterns from the moving sheet; and associating the recorded timestamped measured MD speed signal with the timestamped physical property measurements and the visual images of the multiple patterns to generate an MD position profile aligned with the physical property measurements from the scanning sensor in a CD position based on the speed of the sheet and the position of the multiple patterns on the sheet.

[0012] A second embodiment discloses a sheet system and method for measuring the properties of a material deposited on a sheet in multiple patterns. The sheet containing multiple patterns travels at a first speed in a longitudinal direction (MD) including a scanning sensor that measures physical properties traversing the sheet to the MD in a transverse direction (CD) along a scanning path at the first speed. The sheet system and method for measuring the physical properties of the multiple patterns include: recording visual images of the multiple patterns from the sheet on the MD; and converting the recorded visual images of the multiple patterns into measurement data representing positional parameters of the multiple patterns on the sheet. The method further includes: adjusting each of the first speed of the sheet and the first speed of the scanning sensor to a second speed that alters the scanning path of the scanning sensor on the CD to measure the physical properties of each of the multiple patterns on the sheet.

[0013] Other technical features will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following figures, description and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To gain a more complete understanding of this disclosure, the following description is now taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 An exemplary roll-to-roll sheet production system is illustrated for coating a metal substrate with an anode or cathode material;

[0016] Figure 2 An example is shown of a system for measuring the longitudinal position profile of a web sheet used for electrode patches;

[0017] Figure 3 An example is shown using images captured by a camera and longitudinal positional contours to track electrode patches on a moving web sheet;

[0018] Figure 4 A camera image illustrating the edges of a set of electrode patches is shown schematically.

[0019] Figure 5A An example is shown of the image captured by the combined camera and the scanning measurement path of the longitudinal contour measurement system; and

[0020] Figure 5B A graphical example of a longitudinal measurement profile according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The figures discussed below, as well as the various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the invention in this patent document, are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the invention can be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

[0022] In the manufacture of batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, thin metal foils are coated with active materials to create battery electrodes. These active materials can cover the entire foil surface except for the edges, or they can be applied in stripes along the production direction (longitudinal), as discrete patches spanning the electrode width (lateral), or in a rectangular pattern (where gaps exist in the coating in both the longitudinal and lateral directions). As these coated electrodes undergo various production steps, physical properties such as areal weight and thickness are measured by scanning sensors. The scanner consists of a beam spanning the process width, with a head mounted above and below the sheet containing the sensor assembly required to measure one or more properties of the sheet. The head moves synchronously back and forth across the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the production direction. Because the sheet moves longitudinally and the scanner measures laterally, the actual path of each scan traces the diagonal across the sheet. For battery electrodes, depending on the coating pattern, when scanning begins and the sheet is scanned across, the profile will include measurements from a combination of coated sections, gaps aligned longitudinally, and gaps aligned laterally.

[0023] Figure 1This illustrates a process for coating metal webs or sheets used to manufacture electrodes for lithium-ion electrochemical batteries and accumulators. For manufacturing the anode, the electrode coating comprises an anode active material such as graphite, and for manufacturing the cathode, the electrode coating comprises a cathode active material such as lithium metal oxide. The electrode comprises a current collector metal foil coated on one or both sides of a foil with an electrode slurry, which may also contain carbon black, a binder, and a solvent. After the electrode slurry is applied to one side of the foil, the wet-coated foil is heated in a dryer to remove the solvent, leaving a solid layer of electrode material adhered to the metal foil. Copper foil is a preferred anode current collector material, and aluminum foil is a preferred cathode current collector material. The foil is typically 9 µm to 20 µm thick, and the thickness of the electrode coating on one or both sides of the foil ranges from 75 µm to 400 µm, such that a double-sided coated electrode can have a thickness of up to 850 µm, with most typically around 250 µm thick.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, roll 2 is unwound by an unwinding machine and supplied as a continuous metal web sheet or sheet 30, which is coated with an electrode paste layer as a continuous layer on its top (or first) surface by a coater 4, either as discrete patches spanning the electrode width (in the transverse direction) or as a rectangular pattern, wherein gaps exist in the coating in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The basis weight, thickness, and other properties of the sheet from roll 2's metal web 30 are generally known. Tachometer 22 measures the linear velocity, and scanning meter 8 measures the basis weight, thickness, or other properties of the electrode paste. Input from the tachometer can be used to calculate the longitudinal (MD) position of the sheet being measured. The map displaying the scanner measurement results is typically divided into points or grids spanning the width; for example, each grid may represent a distance of approximately 5 mm. As the scanning meter 8 scans across the sheet, the MD position of each transverse (CD) grid is recorded to create an MD position profile for the main sensor. CD / MD offset correction can be applied to additional sensors in the scanning head. A roll end signal or another dedicated signal can be used to set the reference (zero') position for MD position measurement.

[0025] The coater 4 includes an actuator that controls the doctor blade to regulate the amount of slurry extruded onto the sheet 30. The dryer 10 removes excess solvent and cures the slurry on the moving coated sheet 32 ​​to form an electrode layer patch on the sheet. A tachometer 56 measures the linear velocity, and a meter 12 measures one or more properties of the moving coated sheet leaving the dryer 10. Thereafter, rolling supports 34 and 36 reverse the orientation of the moving sheet, so that the second surface is now the uncoated top side, and the coater 14 applies an electrode slurry layer to the top or second surface of the moving sheet 38 in the manner previously described for the coater 4. Before entering the dryer 18, the tachometer 46 measures the linear velocity, and the meter 16 measures the properties of the double-coated sheet 40.

[0026] A tachometer 48 measures the linear velocity, and a scanner device 24 measures the properties of the electrode layers on the first and second surfaces. After calendering 52, a rewinder rolls the double-coated sheet 42 into a roll 44. Surface defects on the coating are monitored by camera-based web inspection systems 26, 28. Although this process is shown as continuous, it should be understood that the various steps and accompanying measurements can be performed individually in discrete, discontinuous batch operations. For example, roll 44 is subsequently subjected to a cutting operation to form individual electrodes suitable for assembly into batteries and accumulators.

[0027] Sensors 8, 12, 16, and 24 are depicted operating in transmission mode. For example, each sensor includes a radiation source that directs a radiation beam into a moving sheet and a radiation receiver that detects radiation transmitted through the material. Sensors operating in transmission mode are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,182,360, 8,527,212, 7,298,492, and US 2021103821173 and US 2021 / 0262776, which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the sensors may operate in reflection mode. For example, each sensor has an upper head that houses both the radiation source and the detector. Sensors operating in reflection mode are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,182,360, 8,527,212, 7,298,492, and US 2020 / 0096308, which are incorporated herein by reference. Sensors may also include combinations of reflective and transmission sensors.

[0028] Figure 2A system for measuring the MD position profile of a web sheet 100 of an electrode patch moving in a MD and supported by rollers 102 and 122 is illustrated. Roller 102, supporting sheet 100 at position 124, includes a magnet 104 monitored by a linear tachometer 106. Downstream is a scanning sensor 112, the distance from position 124 being known. The MD speed can be measured at any position of the moving web sheet 100. Since the sheet is stretchable, it is preferable to measure the MD speed near the scanning sensor 112. Alternatively, an optical tachometer can be used. The linear tachometer pulses are counted at a specified rate, such as 2 kHz, and accurately timestamped. The system includes a controller 108 with a processor 118 and a memory 126, and a signal generator 116. In operation, the linear tachometer 106 measures the rotational speed of roller 102 and transmits pulse signals to the controller 108, which converts the rotational speed into the MD speed by relating it to the radius of roller 102. Scanner 112 measures the characteristics of the sheet and sends corresponding signals to the controller. Signal generator 116 transmits a synchronization signal to scanner 112, which establishes the origin of the MD position axis. In this system, only one scanner on the production line needs to provide the synchronization signal. The integral of speed over time generates the position change along the MD axis.

[0029] Scanner 112 performs MD position segmentation, ensuring that instances of the scanning meter entering and exiting each cell within a user-defined lateral measurement area (cell) are accurately timestamped. A tachometer counts values ​​falling within these timestamps, which are accumulated and averaged to generate the MD position for each such lateral cell. Subsequently, the MD positions of each cell in the sensor measurement profile are aggregated into an array and displayed as an MD position profile for each lateral profile. Each sensor signal measuring sheet properties is also aggregated into an array and displayed as a lateral profile. Edge positions change between scans due to measurement noise, sensor convolution of coated and uncoated electrodes at patch edges. Furthermore, in several specific cases, gaps between patches will appear at different locations within each profile, and sometimes combine with gaps between channels, further complicating the work of rationalizing the scan data.

[0030] To more accurately identify the edges of the sheet 100 and the electrode patches, the camera 130 is positioned directly in front of the scanning sensor 112 to obtain images of the electrode patches on the web sheet 100. The images captured by the camera 130 are sent to an imaging system 135 contained in a controller 108. A processor 118, performing any currently known image analysis techniques, processes the images collected from the imaging system 135. Figure 4As shown, before scanner 112, camera 130 captures the edges of the sheet and all edges of the electrode patches deposited on the sheet. Furthermore, by referencing the camera's field of view to a common lateral reference and to the linear tachometer 106, controller 108 creates an MD position reference, thereby aligning the visual image from camera 130 to scanner 112. The edges of the electrode patches are detected by camera 130 and then mapped onto the scan profile, thus avoiding the need for any complex signal analysis techniques to process the scan profile for further use.

[0031] Figure 3 An example is illustrated using images captured by a camera and MD position contours to track electrode patches on a moving sheet in order to improve edge detection of the electrode patches. Electrode patches 205 are coated onto a moving substrate 200 (foil), which is supported and conveyed on the MD by rollers 203 operated by a motor 204. A tachometer 206 monitors the speed of rollers 202. A first frame 210 supports a scanning device 212, which includes a meter for measuring the basis weight and / or thickness of the coated sheet. The scanning device 212 is driven by an electric motor (not shown) and periodically traverses the coated sheet 200 at a generally constant speed. The meter is shown measuring a point or area 214 of the coated sheet 200. The meter does not measure selected sheet properties at a location precisely aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal edge of the sheet. Conversely, due to the sheet speed, the scanning device travels diagonally across the coated sheet surface, resulting in a zigzag pattern of continuous scan paths relative to the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the edges 201, 202 of the coated sheet 200. An example of this zigzag pattern is scan path 218, which is tracked by the meter as the scanning device 212 traverses the sheet surface during continuous back-and-forth scans. The angle of the scan path relative to the actual CD depends on the lateral speed of the scanning device and the known longitudinal speed of the coated sheet 200. The zigzag pattern of the interrogation point covers a relatively small portion of the surface of the coated sheet 200.

[0032] In the first embodiment, computer 220 coordinates the measurement of scanning device 212 so that the position of the inquiry point in pattern 218, together with the corresponding MD position, is recorded in database 222.

[0033] A second frame 250 supports a fixed camera 252, which is visually guided to scan the entire web sheet 200 along a viewing angle typically shown by frame 260. The viewing angle extends from edge 201 to edge 202 on the CD. As the edges 201, 202 of the sheet 200 and the edges of the electrode patches 205 pass beneath the camera 252, the viewing angle captures images of them on both the MD and CD. The camera 252 is positioned between the support roller 202 and the tachometer 206 and the frame 210 and scanning device 212.

[0034] Figure 4 A camera image illustrating the edges of a set of coated patches 205 located within the field of view of camera 252 is schematically illustrated. For example, as sheet 100 traverses the MD below camera 252, the camera captures a visual image of the electrode patches and records data defining the positions of the edges 201, 202 of sheet 200 and the edges of the electrode patches 205 on the CD and MD. For example, a set of coated electrode patches 205 is organized on sheet 200 in columns and rows. The first row consists of electrode patches 205a and 205a', the second row consists of electrode patches 205b and 205b', and the third row consists of electrode patches 205c and 205c'. The rows of electrode patches are further organized into columns consisting of a first column near edge 201 and a second column near edge 202, the first column consisting of electrode patches 205a to 205c and the second column consisting of patches 205a' to 205c'. The edges of the electrode patches have uncoated sheet areas between them and edges 201 and 202.

[0035] As electrode patches 205a to 205c and 205a' to 205c' pass beneath camera 252, the camera captures an image of sheet 200 and within its field of view 260, and transmits the captured image to imaging system 135. Imaging system identifies the first edge 201 of sheet 200 and labels it as X1. The first coated edge of electrode patches 205a to 205c in the CD is labeled as X2. This identifies the uncoated space between the first edge 201 and the first electrode patches 205a to 205c as X1, X2.

[0036] In the CD, the next uncoated space between electrode patches 205a to 205c and 205a' to 205c' is marked as X3, X4, and the uncoated space between electrode patches 205a' to 205c' and the edge 202 of sheet 200 is marked as X5, X6. For electrode patches between rows containing patches 205a to 205a' and 205b to 205b', the uncoated spaces defined by the edges of the electrode patches on the MD between rows are marked as Y1, Y2. The uncoated spaces between electrode patches 205b to 205b' and 205c to 205c' on the MD are marked as Y3, Y4 by the imaging system 135. A common zero position 301 near the edge 201 of sheet 200 on the MD can be provided to set a calibration reference point for the imaging system, thereby providing a known starting point for marking.

[0037] When measured by scanning device 212 Figure 3The positions of the inquiry points in the scan path 218 shown, along with the corresponding visual images obtained by the camera 252, are recorded in the database 222. Therefore, the database contains a library of the edges of the electrode patches 205a to 205c and 205a' to 205c' provided by the camera 252, measurements performed by the scanning device 212, and the speed of the web sheet from the tachometer 206. The computer 220 correlates and aligns the measurement results stored in the database 222, such that the edges and positions of the electrode patches are recorded and mapped to the scanned contour.

[0038] Figure 5A An example is shown of a scanning measurement path obtained by scanning device 212 along scanning path 218. The zigzag pattern of scanning path 218 diagonally spans the uncoated area between electrode patches 205a and 205b, which is recorded as Xy1 and Xy2 in the scanning profile, thereby identifying the location of the uncoated gap between patches 205a and 205b.

[0039] Figure 5B An example of a measurement profile 400 measured along the measurement path 218 on the MD and CD is illustrated. The computer 220 generates this profile using visual imaging data from the camera 252, CD measurement data from the scanner device 212, and MD data from the tachometer 206. The uncoated area of ​​the CD between the edge 201 of the sheet 200 and the electrode patch 205a is shown as X1, X2. This graph illustrates the reduced meter readings due to the uncoated area. The next reduced meter readings are shown at Xy1, Xy2, corresponding to the uncoated area between electrode patches 205a and 205b in the longitudinal directions Y1, Y2. Reduced meter readings X3 and X4 depict the uncoated area between electrode patches 205b and 205b', and X5 and X6 depict the uncoated area between electrode patch 205b' and the edge 202 of the sheet 200. The increased meter thickness 402a to 402c indicates the coated electrode patches 205a, 205b, and 205b' traversed by the scanner device 212 along the scan path 218, as shown. Figure 5A As shown.

[0040] In a second embodiment, the position parameters of the electrode patch 205 detected by the image captured by camera 252 can be converted into measurement data by imaging system 135 and transmitted to controller 108. Processor 118, performing any currently known image conversion technique, processes the images collected from imaging system 135 to extract measurement data of electrode patch 205. For example, for Figure 4Any electrode patch 205 shown, the length and width of the electrode patch 205, and the spacing between coated patches 205 and between coated patches and the uncoated sheet 200 at edges 201, 202 can be converted into measurement data by the image conversion technology of the imaging system 135. This measurement data represents the positional parameters of each electrode patch 205 or a selected group of electrode patches on the coated sheet 200. The controller 108 receives the measurement data from the imaging system 135 and uses the measurement data to modify the scan path 218 of the scanning device 212 across the sheet 200. The scan path 218 is adjusted by the controller 108 to adjust the scan path across the sheet 200 to take into account the size of the electrode patch 205, the distance to scan through the edges of any electrode patch 205, or whether one or more electrode patches are to be scanned during the scan path 218.

[0041] The controller 108 uses position parameters provided by measurement data from the electrode patch 205 to adjust the MD speed of the sheet 200 and the CD speed of the scanning device 112. The controller 208 can transmit control signals to control the speed of the motor 122 driving the sheet on the MD and the speed at which the scanning device 212 traverses the sheet 200 to generate an optimal zigzag scanning path 218, such as... Figure 5A The scan path 218 is shown. By adjusting the MD speed of the coated sheet 200 and the CD speed of the scanner 112, the desired measurement angle across the sheet 200 is achieved, which generates the scan path 218 to optimally read part or all of the electrode patch 205 that traverses below the scanning device 212.

[0042] It may be advantageous to define certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term “communication” and its derivatives encompass both direct and indirect communication. The terms “comprising” and “including” and their derivatives mean, but are not limited to, this. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and / or. The phrase “associated with” and its derivatives may mean, including, contained within, interconnected with, contained, contained within, connected to or connected with, coupled to or coupled with, able to communicate with, cooperate with, interleaved, juxtaposed, close to, combined with or combined with, having, possessing the properties of, having a relationship with or having a relationship with, etc. When used with a list of items, the phrase “at least one of” means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

[0043] The description in this application should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is a fundamental or essential element that must be included within the scope of the claims. The scope of the subject matter for patent protection is defined only by the permitted claims. Furthermore, none of the claims is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. with respect to any of the appended claims or claim elements. 112(f), unless the exact words of a participle phrase followed by an identifying function, such as “component for…” or “step for…”, are used in the claims. The use of terms such as (but not limited to) “mechanism,” “module,” “device,” “unit,” “component,” “element,” “building,” “device,” “machine,” “system,” or “controller” within the claims is understood to refer to structures known to a person skilled in the art, as further modified or enhanced by features of the claims themselves, and is not intended to invoke 35 USC. 112(f).

[0044] While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, variations and substitutions of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments does not limit or restrict this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A sheet material monitoring system, the sheet material monitoring system comprising: A sheet moving in the longitudinal direction (MD), the sheet having material deposited on the sheet in a variety of patterns; A component for measuring the speed of the sheet; Components for correlating the measured speed of the sheet with time to generate and store time-correlated sheet speed; Components for capturing and storing images of the various patterns deposited on the sheet; A scanning sensor for measuring and storing the properties of the material deposited on the sheet, wherein the scanning sensor traverses the transverse (CD) of the sheet, the transverse (CD) being perpendicular to the MD; and A component for associating the stored image of the pattern with the sheet speed associated with the stored time and for associating the stored characteristic measurements of the various patterns.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the component for measuring the speed of the sheet is a linear tachometer located near the scanning sensor, the linear tachometer operating to generate a signal representing the speed at the linear tachometer.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the component for generating time-associated speeds includes a first processor that generates timestamps for each time-associated sheet speed, wherein the timestamps are stored in memory.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the component for capturing the image is a camera device having a field of view of the sheet in front of the scanning sensor as the sheet moves on the MD.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first processor includes an imaging system, and the image from the camera is transmitted to the first processor, wherein the imaging system processes the image captured by the camera for identification and stores the identified multiple patterns in the memory.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the component for associating the stored images of the plurality of patterns with the time-correlated sheet speed includes the first processor, the first processor generating an MD position reference using the stored timestamps and the images of the plurality of patterns, the MD position reference aligning the captured plurality of images with stored characteristic measurements obtained by the scanning sensor.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first processor uses the MD position reference to generate scanned profiles of the plurality of patterns on the sheet.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein the sheet is supported by a first roller, and the linear tachometer measures the rotational speed of the first roller.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the sheet comprises a metal substrate and the material deposited on the sheet is an electrode layer.

10. In a sheet system for measuring properties of a material deposited on a sheet in multiple patterns and said sheet traveling in a longitudinal (MD) direction, said sheet system comprising a scanning sensor for measuring physical properties of each of said multiple patterns, and a method for generating MD position profiles of said multiple patterns, said method comprising: Measure the MD speed of the moving sheet and generate a timestamped MD speed measurement signal; Record the timestamped MD velocity signal and the physical property measurement results from the scanning sensor; Visual images of the various patterns are recorded from the moving sheet; The recorded, timestamped MD velocity signal is correlated with the timestamped physical property measurement results and the visual images of the various patterns. as well as A MD positron profile is generated, which is aligned with the physical property measurement results of the scanning sensor in the CD position based on the speed of the sheet and the position of the various patterns on the sheet.

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