Device with improved lighting management

Abstract

The invention describes an apparatus (1) for inspecting and / or processing a material, in particular leather, the apparatus (1) comprising a work surface (2) adapted to provide a support surface for the material, said work surface (2) having at least a first pair of opposite sides (2a) and at least a second pair of opposite sides (2b), a control unit (C) adapted to manage the apparatus (1), and a lighting system (15) comprising at least a first set of light sources (15') which are arranged and configured to illuminate the work surface (2) from an elevated position relative to said work surface (2), at a first angle of incidence with said work surface (2), and a second set of light sources (15'') arranged and configured to emit grazing light towards the work surface (2), at a second angle of incidence with said work surface (2), said second angle of incidence being less than the first angle of incidence.The second set of light sources (15'') comprises a first plurality of light sources (15''a) arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides (2a) of the first pair of opposite sides, and a second plurality of light sources (15''b) arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides (2b) of the second pair of opposite sides. Figure for abstract: (Figure 1).

Description

Title of the invention: Apparatus with improved lighting management

[0001] SCOPE OF APPLICATION

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for fabric inspection, in particular for leather inspection for various articles in the clothing leather goods, garments, footwear, automotive and similar sectors, and the following description is made with reference to this field of application for the sole purpose of simplifying the exposition thereof. In some embodiments, the apparatus may also be a material cutting machine, in particular for cutting leather. Prior art

[0003] As is well known in this particular technical field, there are inspection apparatuses on which fabrics (in particular, leather) to be inspected are arranged before being cut. During the inspection, the fabrics arranged on these apparatuses are analyzed by the operator in order to detect and mark any defects occurring, which are recorded and stored in a digital file; furthermore, or alternatively, it is also possible to acquire images of the leather to be analyzed without manually marking the defects, said images being then processed through the software. In fact, every type of fabric, even of the best quality, may have surface defects, such as for example small dots, surface alterations, low quality areas and the like. For this reason, in the context of quality control, it is important to identify and report any defects before continuing with the processing.

[0004] In relation to the further processing of the material, there are devices capable of carrying out the automated cutting of the sheet according to a predefined cutting pattern. In particular, there are so-called cutting tables or benches, which do not provide for the presence of a closed cutting chamber (and generally not even a conveyor belt) but only a work surface (usually fixed) on which the material to be cut is arranged. Generally, in said devices, there is at least one track for the sliding of carriages which move at least one transversely extending spoke or arm, which supports a movable cutting unit on said arm for cutting the sheet arranged on the work surface.There are also cutting machines with a cutting chamber (e.g. box-shaped) into which the material is fed by a conveyor belt, which then transports the cut parts to an unloading area.

[0005] A problem, which is shared by all these devices, is related to the illumination of the work area, where different operations and / or different materials may require a different mode. respective different lighting to work in optimal conditions. This is particularly critical in leather inspection machines, in which the detection of defects is closely linked to the chosen lighting and there is often the need to change lighting modes, both when changing the type of leather to be inspected and when inspecting a single leather; there are indeed defects that can only be detected by choosing a certain type of suitable lighting.

[0006] It would therefore be desirable to effectively manage lighting according to current needs which may vary, which known devices cannot do.

[0007] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having structural and functional characteristics so as to overcome the limitations and drawbacks which still affect known solutions, in particular an apparatus having improved lighting control, making it possible, for example, to manage different types of leather and / or different operations to be carried out efficiently and with great ease.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for easily detecting any type of defect in the inspected material and, more generally, to facilitate the inspection of the material by operators. Summary of the invention

[0009] The solution idea underlying the present invention is to provide an apparatus in which many different light sources from different directions are present, in particular different grazing lights to allow a very efficient inspection of the material. The illumination of the work surface is adjusted through a control unit (which possibly has machine operating settings stored in its memory) according to the operator's needs, by selecting a particular lighting mode (e.g. the intensity or type of lights switched on) from among the various possible modes and consequently adjusting the lighting system.This results in a versatile system in which, depending on the operator's selection, the desired lighting is accordingly established, so as to always obtain the optimal lighting conditions, for example depending on the material on the worktop or depending on the operation to be carried out by the machine. These operations can occur automatically, for example by selecting a precise working mode of the apparatus which involves a specific combination of parameters, or alternatively by a specific selection of particular parameters by the user, all of which in any case involves the control of the lighting system by the control unit (for example, in the case of manual adjustment, the control unit is used to control a single light adjustment panel). Adaptively, there are different sets of grazing lights on the worktop, . said different sets being oriented differently relative to each other with respect to said work surface (both frontally and laterally) and being able to be selected and adjusted, even relative to each other, to analyze any aspect of the leather on the work surface and detect any surface defect.

[0010] Based on this solution idea, the above technical problem is solved by an apparatus for inspecting and / or processing a material, in particular leather, comprising a work surface adapted to provide a support surface for the material, said work surface comprising at least a first pair of opposite sides, for example of upper extension, and at least a second pair of opposite sides, for example of lower extension, a control unit adapted to manage the apparatus, and a lighting system comprising at least a first set of light sources arranged and configured to illuminate the work surface from a position elevated relative to said work surface, at a first angle of incidence with said work surface, and a second set of light sources arranged and configured to emit grazing light onto the work surface, at a second angle of incidence with said work surface,said second angle of incidence being less than the first angle of incidence, wherein the second set of light sources comprises a first plurality of light sources arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides of the first pair of opposite sides, and a second set of light sources arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides of the second pair of opposite sides.

[0011] More particularly, the invention comprises the following additional and optional features, taken individually or, if necessary, in combination.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be configured to allow adjustment (automatically depending on a chosen mode or even manually by the operator) at least of the relative intensity and / or the relative color temperature between said pluralities of grazing lights.

[0013] More generally, the apparatus may be configured to allow relative adjustment between the first plurality of light sources and the second plurality of light sources, for example by adjusting the relative intensity (and / or possibly the color temperature) between said light sources.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, according to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be configured to allow relative adjustment of the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources.

[0015] In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus (e.g., the control unit) may be configured to allow selective activation of one of the first set of light sources or the second set of light sources. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus (e.g., the control unit) may be configured to adjust the relative intensity between the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources, and thus to attenuate said sets of light sources according to different values.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may comprise a memory unit comprising a plurality of operating instructions, each operating instruction corresponding to a lighting mode of the lighting system, wherein the apparatus further comprises means configured to allow the selection of a lighting mode from among the stored lighting modes, said control unit being configured to control the lighting system according to said selection.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, the memory unit may comprise a plurality of pre-stored instructions for a respective plurality of fabrics (materials, in particular different types of leather), each instruction corresponding to a specific lighting mode of the lighting system adapted to the relative fabric (material) and being selectable via the control unit.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to set a first intensity and / or color temperature of the lighting system and, in at least one second lighting mode, the control unit may be configured to set a second intensity and / or color temperature of the lighting system which is different from the first intensity and / or color temperature.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lighting system may comprise a plurality of LEDs.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the second set of light sources may comprise, at the respective side(s) of the work surface, a plurality of light sources arranged side by side and a plurality of respective lenses configured to generate a light beam having an opening angle of between 5° and 25°.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, the second set of light sources may comprise, at the respective side(s) of the work plane, a plurality of light sources configured to generate a light beam having an angle of incidence with the work plane of between 0 and 30°, in which also negative angles are possible, in any case so as to ensure the desired grazing character.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the second set of light sources may comprise a plurality of light sources arranged in at least two substantially parallel rows.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, light sources arranged on a row can be configured to generate a light beam having a different angle of incidence with the work plane than the light sources arranged on another row.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the sides of the first pair of opposing sides may be upper extension sides, and the sides of the second pair of opposing sides may be a lower extension side relative to the above two sides (e.g. adjacent to the upper extension sides), wherein the first plurality of light sources is arranged at at least one of the two upper extension opposing sides, and wherein the second set of light sources is arranged at at least one of the two lower extension opposing sides (preferably the two lower extension sides), the worktop preferably being rectangular in shape.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may comprise a support member adapted to support the lighting system.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may comprise at least one image detector adapted to acquire images and / or videos of the material on the work surface, wherein the control unit is configured to enable switching of the lighting system at least between a first operating mode, which is adapted to enable inspection of the material by the operator, and a second operating mode, which is adapted to enable acquisition of images and / or videos by means of said at least one image detector and which corresponds to a different setting of the lighting system, wherein the optimal operating parameters of said image detector (i.e. the optimal parameters for acquiring images and / or videos) are optionally stored in the memory unit of the control unit and are optimized with respect to the setting of the lighting system in said second operating mode, wherein,in switching between the first operating mode and the second operating mode, said parameters of the image detector are not changed.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may further comprise at least one projector adapted to project elements onto the work surface.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to define (possibly also dynamically) working areas, according to which the material arranged on the work surface is virtually subdivided, and the projector may be configured to project profiles corresponding to said working areas onto the work surface, each of said profiles being adapted to enable a single working area to be identified by the operator, for example to distinguish a single working area from other working areas.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, the work zones are defined in function of an acquired image of the material, for example by means of an image detector (for example the same detector previously described for technical light).

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, the projector may be configured to project the profiles corresponding to the unique working areas separately from each other, wherein the control unit is adapted to allow the selection of a specific profile and thus the switching from the projection of one profile to the projection of a different profile, and wherein said control unit is further adapted to control the lighting system according to the specific projected profile.

[0031] For example, the control unit may be further configured to control the lighting system so as to turn off, or maintain at a reduced intensity, light sources of the lighting system corresponding to (i.e. adapted to illuminate) non-projected work areas, for example areas which have been previously linked to specific light sources by means of the central unit.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, the projected profiles may be square or rectangular in shape.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, the work surface may be equipped with means adapted to allow movement of the material in a direction of movement, and the apparatus may comprise means for allowing actuation of the movement means in accordance with an input from a user.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to pre-define the size of the base of the square or rectangular shape of the profile as a function of the shape of the material (in particular as a function of the extension of the material in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement), and to adjust the size of the height of said square or rectangular shape of the projected profile as a function of the movement of the material along the direction of movement.

[0035] Of course, the profile does not have to have a closed shape (i.e. the square or rectangular shape above), but it can also be a line extending in one direction (e.g. transverse) to the direction of movement and which is dynamically adapted according to the movement of the material, thus defining in this way the various working zones (horizontal zones) while the material moves.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may further comprise at least a first projector and a second projector for projecting elements onto the work surface, wherein the control unit is operatively connected to the first projector and the second projector and comprises actuating means configured to allow selective activation of one of the first projector or the second projector, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the lighting system depending on the activated projector, wherein said control unit is configured to automatically switch the lighting system from a first projection mode, when the first projector is selected, to a second projection mode, when the second projector is selected.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first projector may comprise at least one laser source and the second projector may be a video projector.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to modify the intensity of the light emitted by the lighting system in switching between the first projection mode and the second projection mode, and vice versa.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be a material (leather) inspection machine comprising a plurality of image detectors (e.g. those previously described) adapted to acquire images of a fabric (material) on the work surface, wherein the control unit is configured to process the images acquired by said image detectors and to generate a digital copy of the inspected fabric. Optionally, a signaling element adapted to indicate defects on the surface of the fabric may also be present.

[0040] The control unit may further be configured to correlate the defects on the fabric indicated by said signaling element with the acquired image of the fabric, or to automatically process the image and detect the defects without notification to the user, in both cases with the possible generation of a report indicating at least the shape and position of the defects on said fabric.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the projector may comprise at least one laser projector, said laser projector being adapted to project, in addition to the profile, also defects of the material identified by the operator in the work area through the signaling element.

[0042] According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to define a plurality of cutting zones (quality zones) on the scanned image, the type, number and position of said cutting zones being defined and optimized based on information acquired by said control unit during inspection of the fabric.

[0043] According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be a cutting machine comprising at least one cutting unit adapted to cut the material arranged on the work surface.

[0044] The present invention also relates to an apparatus for inspecting and / or treating a material, in particular leather, comprising a work surface adapted to providing a support surface for the material (said work surface comprising, for example, at least a first pair of opposite sides, for example of upper extension, and at least a second pair of opposite sides, for example of lower extension), a control unit designed to manage the apparatus, a lighting system and at least one projector for projecting elements onto the work surface, wherein the control unit is configured to define working areas, according to which the material arranged on the work surface is virtually subdivided, and the projector is configured to project profiles corresponding to said working areas onto the work surface, each of said profiles being adapted to identify (allow identification, for example by the operator) a single working area (for example in relation to other working areas).

[0045] Hereinafter, advantageous and optional aspects of the present invention relating to this specific apparatus described herein, i.e. the apparatus capable of defining and projecting the different working areas, will be described.

[0046] According to one aspect, the apparatus comprises at least one image detector and the working areas are defined according to an image acquired of the material by means of said image detector and processed by the control unit.

[0047] According to one aspect, the projector may be configured to project the profiles corresponding to the unique working areas separately from each other, wherein the control unit is adapted to allow the selection of a specific profile and thus the switching from the projection of one profile to the projection of a different profile, and wherein said control unit is further adapted to control the lighting system according to the specific projected profile.

[0048] For example, the control unit may be further configured to control the lighting system so as to turn off, or maintain at a reduced intensity, light sources of the lighting system corresponding to (i.e. adapted to illuminate) non-projected work areas, for example areas which have been previously linked to specific light sources by means of the central unit.

[0049] In one aspect, the projected profiles may be square or rectangular in shape.

[0050] According to one aspect, the work surface can be equipped with suitable movement means to enable movement of the material in a direction of movement, and the apparatus may include means for enabling actuation of the movement means in accordance with a user input.

[0051] According to one aspect, the control unit may be configured to define the size of the base of the square or rectangular shape of the projected profile (i.e., the side extending along a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement) as a function of the shape of the material (in particular as a function of the extension of the material in said direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement), and to adjust the size of the height of said square or rectangular shape of the projected profile (i.e. of a side extending along the direction of movement) according to the displacement of the material along the direction of movement.

[0052] Of course, the profile does not have to have a closed shape (i.e. the square or rectangular shape above), but it can also be a line extending in one direction (e.g. transverse) to the direction of movement and which is dynamically adapted according to the movement of the material, thus defining in this way the various working zones (horizontal zones) while the material moves.

[0053] According to one aspect, the apparatus may be an inspection machine (in particular, leather) comprising at least one image detector (in particular, a plurality of detectors, for example the aforementioned detectors which have been defined before for the subdivision into the different working areas) adapted to acquire images of a fabric (of the material, i.e. of its surface) on the working plane, wherein the control unit is configured to process the images acquired by said image detectors and to generate a digital copy of the inspected material (for example leather). Optionally, a signaling element adapted to indicate defects on the surface of the material may also be present.

[0054] The control unit may further be configured to correlate the defects on the material indicated by said signaling element with the acquired image of the material, or to automatically process the image and detect the defects without notification to the user, in both cases with the possible generation of a report indicating at least the shape and position of the defects on said inspected material, i.e. the surface defects.

[0055] In one embodiment, the projector may comprise at least one laser projector, said laser projector being adapted to project, in addition to the profile, also defects of the material identified by the operator in the working area corresponding to the profile which has been projected through the signaling element. The projected elements may thus be the profiles and even the defects.

[0056] According to one aspect, the control unit may be configured to define a plurality of cutting zones (quality zones) on the scanned image, the type, number and position of said cutting zones being defined and optimized based on information acquired by said control unit during inspection of the material.

[0057] The characteristics and advantages of the apparatus according to the invention will emerge from the description given below, of an embodiment thereof given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0058] In these drawings:

[0059] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] shows a perspective view of a device according to a mode of realization implementation of the present invention;

[0060] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows a front view of the apparatus of [Fig.l];

[0061] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows a sectional side view of the apparatus of [Fig.l];

[0062] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows a detail of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows another perspective view of the apparatus of [Fig.l];

[0064] [Fig.6A] [Fig.6A] shows an example of virtual subdivision of a material into different working areas, and

[0065] [Fig.6B] [Fig.6B] shows an example of a projected working area according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0066] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] With reference to these figures, an apparatus (or machine) according to the present invention is generally and schematically indicated by the reference number 1.

[0068] It should be noted that the figures represent schematic views and are not drawn to scale, but rather are drawn in such a way as to highlight the important features of the invention. Furthermore, in the figures, the various elements are shown schematically, their shape varying depending on the desired application. It should also be noted that in the figures, like reference numbers refer to elements that are identical in shape or function. Finally, particular features described in connection with an embodiment illustrated in one figure are also applicable to the other embodiments illustrated in the other figures.

[0069] It should also be noted that, unless expressly indicated, the phases of the process can also be reversed if necessary.

[0070] Furthermore, positional references used in the present description, including indications such as lower or upper, above or below, or similar phrases, refer to the functional configuration shown in the figures, and should in no case be given a limiting meaning. In any case, said references, in reference to the components of the apparatus of the present invention, are used in practice by a person skilled in the art.

[0071] To facilitate the following description of the apparatus 1, by way of example two orthogonal directions are identified: a Y direction and an X direction.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 1 is a machine for inspecting fabrics, in particular leather, for making a garment, an article of clothing leather goods, an article of footwear, an automobile and furniture article, and the like. The apparatus 1 is thus preferably suitable for the inspection of leather material, even if other materials are of course possible.

[0073] It should also be noted that the teachings of the present invention are not only limited to a fabric inspection apparatus, but are also applied to a fabric cutting apparatus, in particular leather, as will be detailed later. Thus, it can be mentioned that in general the apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus for processing and / or inspecting material to be cut.

[0074] In any case, most of the following description illustrates as a preferred non-limiting example an apparatus for inspecting leather, while at the end of the description a brief example of a cutting apparatus will also be provided, the teachings of the invention being the same for said two apparatuses.

[0075] Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, the term "sheet" indicates any element of any shape and material (in particular leather), and essentially of two-dimensional size, having a certain thickness (generally reduced), to be inspected / processed through the apparatus 1, also unwound from a roll. In general, said material is also indicated as a flat material, obviously without limiting the shape or composition thereof.

[0076] Generally, the apparatus 1 comprises a control unit C, comprising a suitable memory unit (indicated by the reference MEM) and programmed for and in charge of the automatic management and its control in an appropriate manner. The control unit C may be, for example, a computerized unit which is integrated into or external to the apparatus 1 and functionally connected thereto. Furthermore, it should be noted that the control unit C may be a single control unit, or may comprise a plurality of local and / or remote units. The control unit C is therefore capable of controlling the apparatus 1 in order to obtain the automated operation thereof.In any case, the present invention is in no way limited by the architecture used for the control unit C, which can in general be any suitable computerized unit, comprising one or more units (possibly also comprising components for interaction with the operator, such as screens, buttons, and the like) arranged in any way according to the needs and / or circumstances. It is further noted that, within the scope of the present invention, even the user selection and interaction means can be considered as part of the control unit C.

[0077] As illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5, the apparatus 1 of the present invention comprises a work surface 2 (also called a work table) adapted to provide a support plane (indicated by the reference a) for the material to be inspected. The working plane 2 preferably has a quadrangular (even more preferably rectangular) plane, even if it is not limited to a particular shape.

[0078] Generally speaking, the term work surface 2, as known in the art, indicates the structure that supports the sheet of material to be cut, said surface preferably being equipped with at least two opposite sides of upper extension 2a and at least two opposite sides of lower extension 2b (even more preferably rectangular or at least defining a rectangular work surface), and having a certain thickness, the term side therefore indicating a lateral edge portion of the work surface. Of course, although the rectangular shape is preferred, other shapes, in which two major opposite sides and two minor opposite sides (for example trapezoidal, or even with more than four sides) are present, are not excluded. Square shapes are not excluded, having in any case two pairs of opposite sides, in which the sides of the first pair of opposite sides are adjacent to the sides of the second pair of opposite sides..

[0079] In use, the operator rests on one side of the work surface 2 free from obstruction, for example one of the upper extension sides.

[0080] In the case of a rectangular work plane 2, as shown in the figures, the Y direction (transverse direction of the work plane 2) is parallel to its minor sides, while the X direction (longitudinal direction of the work plane 2) is parallel to its major sides.

[0081] The device 1 is equipped with a base 5, for example in the form of a box, which constitutes the support for the work surface 2 and possibly encloses mechanical and electronic elements auxiliary to the device 1.

[0082] As illustrated in the figures, the apparatus 1 further comprises a lighting system 15 for illuminating the work surface 2.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lighting system 15 comprises at least a first set of light sources (identified by the reference number 15' and also called "top lights 15'" for simplicity), which are arranged and configured to illuminate the work surface 2 from above, i.e. from a high position relative to said work surface 2, and a second set of light sources (identified with the reference number 15” and also called "grazing lights 15"" for simplicity), which are arranged and configured to emit grazing light towards the work surface 2, i.e. with a grazing incidence.

[0084] Concerning the upper lights 15', as will also be illustrated below, they are arranged on a support above the work plane 2 (for example to be on a plane above said work plane 2 and possibly parallel to this one), and are thus configured to illuminate the work surface 2 from a position elevated relative to the latter, according to a first angle of incidence with said work surface 2, preferably but not limited to 90° (for example an angle between 70° and 110°, so as to ensure homogeneous lighting of the work surface from above).

[0085] Furthermore, the term "15” grazing lights" is used herein, as known in the art, to indicate a set of light sources emitting beams of incidence with a small angle relative to the working plane 2, much smaller compared to the angle of incidence of the upper lights 15', for example an angle between 0° (parallel light) and 30°, without however being limited to a particular angle value. A negative angle value, for example between -30° and 0°, also falls within the definition of grazing light according to the present invention; importantly, the angle of incidence is such that it ensures the desired grazing character. Said 15” grazing lights are arranged at a reduced height from the plane, for example a few centimeters from said working plane 2, while the upper lights 15' are arranged at a much greater height, even more than a meter.

[0086] According to the present invention, the grazing lights 15” are a set of lights which comprise a first plurality of light sources (indicated by the reference numeral 15”a) arranged at one of the two opposite sides of upper extension 2a, in particular at the side opposite to that in which the operator works, said lights also being indicated as horizontal lights or frontal lights. Suitably, there is also a second plurality of light sources (indicated with the reference numeral 15”b) arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides of lower extension 2b, preferably (but not necessarily) at said two minor sides, said lights also being indicated as lateral lights.

[0087] All this is very beneficial because some types of defects can only be detected through lights arranged laterally, i.e. on the minor sides of the work plane, while other types of defects (i.e. differently oriented defects) are only detectable with lights arranged on the upper extension side, i.e. generally on the side opposite to where the operator is present. Thus, having two different types of grazing lights, in addition to the upper lights, is very advantageous and helps to detect any type of defects.

[0088] In the case of a quadrangular plane, the first plurality of light sources 15”a is arranged at the side opposite to that where the operator is present and the second set of light sources 15”b is arranged at at least one of the sides adjacent to said side opposite to the operator (side lights).

[0089] The second plurality of light sources 15”b is focused to illuminate far away, for example up to 1.5 m, and may comprise light sources arranged in various substantially parallel rows, and therefore at different heights to illuminate far away while maintaining an appropriate grazing angle. In one embodiment, light sources arranged in one row are configured to generate a light beam having an angle of incidence with the work plane 2 different from that of the light sources arranged in another row.

[0090] In general, each light source can be fixed with its own intensity and can be oriented so as to have its own angle of incidence. Of course, the invention is not limited to a particular arrangement and combination of grazing angles and many other configurations are possible.

[0091] According to one embodiment, it is possible to adjust the relative intensity (and / or possibly the color temperature) between the first plurality of grazing light sources 15”a and the second plurality of grazing light sources 15”b: for example, to identify “vertical” defects (with reference to plane 2), it may be appropriate to define the intensity of the second plurality of light sources 15”b (i.e. the lateral lights) higher than that of the first plurality of light sources 15”a (i.e. the frontal lights), whereas for “horizontal” defects, the opposite applies, taking into account that the effects of said different light sources, at equal intensity, cancel each other out. Of course, other parameters of the light sources may also be adjusted, such as for example the color temperature.

[0092] It is therefore possible not only to attenuate the grazing lights 15” relative to the upper lights 15' according to different values, but also to attenuate the different grazing lights relative to each other, as illustrated above, with the great advantage of easily detecting any type of fault. Of course, one can also envisage a case in which some light sources are completely off and others are on.

[0093] In other words, the apparatus may be configured to allow adjustment (automatically depending on a chosen mode or even manually by the operator) of at least the relative intensity and / or the relative color temperature between said pluralities of grazing lights, more generally to allow relative adjustment between the first plurality of light sources and the second plurality of light sources. Thus, this relative adjustment of the grazing lights may be achieved by regulating different parameters (such as intensity and color temperature), but the invention is not limited to these parameters.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus is configured to allow relative adjustment of the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources. miners. For example, the control unit may be configured to allow selective activation of one of the first set of light sources or the second set of light sources (this regulation may also be carried out manually). Furthermore, for example, the control unit may be configured to adjust the relative intensity between the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources, and thus to dim said sets of light sources according to different values ​​(this regulation may also be carried out manually).

[0095] All this leads to a very versatile device, improving fault detection.

[0096] The aforementioned relative adjustments can be carried out automatically or manually, and they can be carried out under the control of the control unit C.

[0097] In one embodiment of the present invention, the 15” grazing lights are covered by a cover element and a heat sink is present to prevent them from overheating.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting system 15 comprises a plurality of LEDs, the emission properties of which are controllable, although the lights of the apparatus 1 are not limited to a particular type.

[0099] The memory unit MEM comprises a plurality of operating instructions, each operating instruction corresponding to a lighting mode of the lighting system 15. For example, the different operating instructions may relate to particular intensities and / or color temperatures of the light sources of the lighting system 15, also providing different relative intensities between the upper lights 15' and the grazing lights 15", for example able to be selected according to the characteristics of the material to be inspected, as will be detailed below.

[0100] According to the present invention, the apparatus 1 comprises suitable means configured to allow the selection of a lighting mode from among the aforementioned stored lighting modes according to the needs, so that the control unit C is able to automatically control the lighting system 15 according to said selection.

[0101] In this way, the operator can choose the preferred lighting mode by simply choosing from the different stored modes, for example through a panel or any other selection means (which can be considered as part of the control unit C) of the apparatus 1.

[0102] Of course, in one embodiment, in addition to what has been seen above, a manual selection of the lighting mode by the operator is also possible, the operator being able to turn on / off / dim the lights of the lighting system 15 at will.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, the memory unit MEM comprises a plurality of pre-stored instructions for a respective plurality of items in leather (for example for leather articles of different colors or in general of different type), each instruction corresponding to a specific lighting mode of the lighting system 15 which is adapted to the bound leather and can be chosen by the control unit C, so that for each leather arranged on the worktop it is possible to choose the most appropriate lighting configuration, the control unit C automatically defining all the parameters.

[0104] For example, in a first lighting mode, the control unit C is configured to define a first intensity and / or color temperature of the lighting system 15, and, in at least one second lighting mode, the control unit C is configured to define a second intensity and / or color temperature of the lighting system 15 which is different from the first intensity and / or color temperature.

[0105] In another example, additionally or alternatively, the control unit C is configured to allow the selective activation of one of the first set of light sources 15' (i.e. the upper lights) and the second set of light sources 15” (i.e. the grazing lights), as well as it can be configured to adjust the relative intensity of said first set of light sources 15' and said second set of light sources 15”, for example defining a percentage of relative intensity between said two different light sources. Indeed, there may be situations in which the grazing lights 15” are not needed and they can therefore be deactivated, or opposite situations in which the upper lights 15' are not needed.The possibility of adjusting the relative intensity between the 15' upper lights and the 15” grazing lights is also very useful: for example, if one wishes to identify a very small defect, the 15” grazing lights will be predominant with respect to the 15' upper lights, while in other cases the 15' upper lights will be predominant, and the operator can easily choose the most appropriate lighting mode.

[0106] As illustrated in the figures, the lighting system 15 is arranged on a suitable support 9 which, in one example, has a box shape open at the side facing the operator, although any suitable shape is within the scope of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the upper lights 15' are arranged on the upper face of the support 9, while the grazing lights 15” are arranged on the lateral flanks thereof and on the central vertical portion.

[0107] As seen previously, as for the 15” grazing lights, they are arranged at least along one major side and / or along at least one of the two opposite minor sides of the work plane 2.

[0108] In one embodiment of the present invention, the grazing lights 15' include take a plurality of light sources arranged side by side and a plurality of respective lenses configured to generate a light beam with a very small opening angle (in the example less than 45°, preferably between 5° and 25°). In general, light sources with a very small light beam opening (less than 45°) are used, or possibly even equipped with additional focusing lenses. This allows the emitted light beam to be very narrow, in which the various light sources placed side by side ensure homogeneous illumination of the work surface 2, and an optimal maximum illumination distance is also ensured so that, as a whole, the grazing lights, arranged side by side, substantially cover the entire work surface 2. In general, the lighting system 15 is configured so that the light is emitted homogeneously from a distance of between 1 and 2 meters, preferably 1.5 meters.In other words, the emission shape of the lenses associated with the 15” grazing lights is such that the light is emitted with a reduced opening angle and up to a distance of about one and a half meters, in which the long side of the work plane 2 is about three meters and the short side is about one and a half meters. As a result, the entire plurality of side-by-side light sources (in particular LEDs) substantially covers the entire work plane 2 and allows excellent visibility.

[0109] As mentioned previously, in a preferred application illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the apparatus 1 is an inspection machine which comprises at least one image detector (preferably a plurality of image detectors indicated in Figures 4 and 5 with the reference number 30) adapted to acquire images of a fabric (in particular leather) on the work surface 2, wherein the control unit C is configured to process the images acquired by said image detectors 30 and to generate a digital copy of the fabric inspected (and thus substantially to digitize the leather to be analyzed).

[0110] In this embodiment, the apparatus 1 also optionally comprises a signaling element 31 adapted to be used by the operator to indicate defects on the surface of the leather. For example, the signaling element 31 may be in the form of a pen and may be equipped with a lighting element which can be detected by the image detectors 30, the coordinates of the movement of said lighting element being calculated by the control unit C, so as to precisely identify the position of the defects indicated by the operator and to store said information. Furthermore, instead of the lighting element a radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. system, capable of delivering information to the control unit C may be present.

[0111] The control unit C is then configured to correlate the defects on the fabric indicated by the signaling element 31 with the acquired image of the leather, with the possibility of generating a report indicating at least the shape and position of the defects on said fabric.

[0112] In addition, the control unit C may be configured to recognize the position, shape and / or extent of the defect in the leather surface based on the coordinates of the movement of the lighting element.

[0113] The control unit C may be operatively connected to a memory unit (for example, but not necessarily, the memory unit MEM above) adapted to contain at least the scanned image of the inspected leather and the generated report indicating the defects of the leather. For example, the memory unit may be a cloud-based unit that a user can access remotely via a specific application and / or a specific address.

[0114] In addition or as a variant, the signaling element 31 may not be present, and the defects may be indicated with chalks (or any other suitable means) directly on the material to be inspected, after acquisition of the images of the fabric, said images being processed by the control unit C.

[0115] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 1 is capable of acquiring images of the tissue and the control unit C is configured to automatically detect, based on the acquired images, the presence and position of possible defects, for example by following certain procedures which are a function of automatic learning, for example the exploitation of neural networks.

[0116] Furthermore, as is known in the art, the control unit C is configured to define a plurality of cutting zones on the scanned image (also called quality zones), wherein the type, number and position of said cutting zones are defined and optimized based on the information acquired by the control unit C during the inspection of the leather. In other words, the quality zones are automatically defined on the obtained images based on the defects identified by the operator.

[0117] It is also noted that in this embodiment, the control unit C can also be subdivided into two separate processing units, one for lighting management and one for fault management, but of course the present invention is not limited thereto, and many other embodiments are possible, for example it is possible to provide a single computerized unit.

[0118] In one embodiment, the work surface 2 may optionally be inclined, if necessary, by suitable lifting means. Furthermore, it should be noted that in this embodiment in which the apparatus 1 is an inspection machine, the work surface 2 is not fixed, but is substantially a conveyor belt moved by rollers R, thus making it possible to move the fabric arranged thereon (in particular in the Y direction), said fabric being suitably digitized during sliding.

[0119] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 1 comprises at least a first projector 20 and a second projector 21 for projecting elements onto the work surface 2 (for example for projecting the defects identified by the operator and subsequently stored, or other useful information), wherein the control unit C is operatively connected to the first projector 20 and the second projector 21 and comprises actuating means configured to allow the selective activation of one of the first projector 20 or the second projector 21.Suitably, in this embodiment, the control unit C is configured to control the lighting system 15 depending on the activated projector, in particular it is configured to automatically switch the lighting system 15 between a first lighting mode when the first projector 20 is chosen, and a second lighting mode when the second projector 21 is chosen.

[0120] In particular, the first projector 20 comprises at least one laser source and the second projector 21 is a video projector. Even more particularly, the control unit C is configured to modify the intensity of the light emitted by the lighting system 15 when switching between the first lighting mode and the second lighting mode, and vice versa. In this way, it is possible to adapt the lighting system 15 to the projector used, in which, in certain applications, it is more convenient to use the first laser projector 20, while in other applications it is more convenient to use the second video projector 21.

[0121] As previously indicated, the first projector 20 and the second projector 21 are adapted to project the profile of the identified defect onto the leather, which defect is then directly visualized on the inspected material, thus facilitating the inspection task. The operator therefore has the opportunity to switch between the first laser projector 20 and the second video projector 21 as required, and the illumination will be adjusted accordingly by the control unit C as described above, so as to always guarantee an optimal view of the defect projected onto the material. Furthermore, once the above different quality zones have been defined, one of the above projectors, preferably the second video projector 21 (which is able to project also color images and / or other information), can be adapted to project said quality zones onto the leather, so as to have a direct view of them on the material.

[0122] In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 1, through the image detectors 30 (or, less preferably, through at least one suitable camera / video camera), is configured to take a photo (or in some cases to acquire a video) of the inspected material, thus making a digital image of the leather as illustrated above, for example to be stored in the memory of the machine. It is recommended that, in the short time required to acquire the image aforementioned, the parameters of the lighting system 15 and the image detectors 30 are correctly defined so as to allow correct acquisition and thus ensure the proper functioning of the detectors themselves.

[0123] Advantageously, the control unit C is configured to allow the switching of the lighting system 15 at least between a first operating mode, which involves lighting adapted to allow optimal inspection of the fabrics by the operator (and in which no image of the leather is taken), and a second operating mode, which involves lighting adapted to allow the acquisition of images and / or videos by means of the image detectors 30 above. In particular, by means of an appropriate command, the user commands the control unit C to take a photo of the leather (or more generally to take photos / videos of the leather on the work surface 2) and the control unit C is configured to adjust the lighting system 15 accordingly (in a mode indicated in the jargon as “technical light”), for example by lowering the light intensity to avoid saturation of the detectors.The parameters of the detectors are stored in the memory unit MEM of the control unit C and are optimized (and fixed) according to the lighting chosen for the second operating mode where the photo is taken, said parameters being precisely applied to the image detectors 30 and no longer being modified in the switching between the two different operating modes, since it is the lighting system 15 itself which is automatically adapted accordingly.

[0124] As mentioned above, this applies analogously when it is desired to make a video, in particular with the conveyor belt in motion to scan the tachometer strip on the edge of this conveyor belt in order to determine the exact positioning of the strip during movement and possibly to apply a correction factor. Even in this case, under operator control, the correct parameters of the lighting system 15 are automatically defined by the control unit C in the second operating mode, said parameters corresponding to the parameters defined for the acquisition of the photo (even if specific parameters can be envisaged for the acquisition of the video of the tachometer strip).

[0125] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second operating mode is automatically activated when an appropriate control (e.g., a pedal) that moves the work surface 2 is activated, with the acquisition of images and the above video. Furthermore, it should be noted that, in one embodiment, the video camera dedicated to the acquisition of the video is one of the image detectors 30, which is simultaneously used to produce said video.

[0126] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the case of defect inspection machines, the worktop 2 can be tilted or raised depending on the user's needs.

[0127] The management of the apparatus 1 by the user may occur for example by means of a control panel 12, equipped with a screen and buttons, functionally connected to the control unit C (optionally, as previously mentioned, said panel may also be considered as part of the control unit C, for example an end element thereof, with which the user can enter certain inputs). Optionally, the apparatus 1 may also be provided with a control monitor 35 and control video cameras, said components being supported by the support 9.

[0128] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the control unit C is configured to subdivide the work plane (and more particularly the material to be inspected) into different work areas Wa, and it is envisaged that the operator works from time to time in a single work area, which is viewed through one of the projectors, in particular through the laser projector 21. It should be noted that in this embodiment, it is not necessary to have two different types of projectors, but only one of them is sufficient, for example (but not limited to) one or more laser projectors.

[0129] In particular, the control unit C is suitably configured (by executing the steps of a suitable algorithm) to define a plurality of working areas (identified with a same reference Wa) according to which the material M arranged on the working plane 2 is virtually subdivided. For example, once the material M has been placed on the working plane 2 and an image has been acquired (e.g. through the image detectors 30, or even, less preferably, through dedicated detectors), said material M is virtually and automatically subdivided into a plurality of working areas (e.g. three, even if any number falls within the scope of the present invention), as shown in the schematic example of [Fig. 6A], said working areas then being projected onto the material, in particular each of them individually, as shown in the example of [Fig. 6B].Said zones can be equal to each other or even different, the separation being carried out by the control unit C in the most appropriate manner.

[0130] The projector 21 is thus configured to project onto the work surface 2, under the control of the control unit C, profiles (indicated with the reference Wap) corresponding to the work zones Wa above, each profile Wap being adapted to allow a single work zone to be identified in relation to the other work zones.

[0131] As mentioned previously, in one embodiment, the projector 21 is configured to project the Wap profiles corresponding only to the working areas Wa separately from each other, i.e. they are not projected together but there is a selection of the profile to be projected; for this purpose, the apparatus 1, in particular the control unit C, is adapted to allow switching from the projection of one profile to the projection of a different profile (e.g. to a profile corresponding to an adjacent working area); this can occur automatically or even by manual selection by the user who chooses this profile to be projected, or even depending on a movement of the material in a direction of movement. It should thus be noted that single profiles are preferably projected.

[0132] For example, each profile is projected at a certain work phase, for example depending on the progress of the inspection by the operator. In one example, the operator chooses the work area, and the relative profile is projected and, once the inspection is completed, the operation chooses another work area and the previously chosen work area is indicated as already inspected, so as not to inspect areas already inspected. Of course, the selection of the work areas can also occur automatically, depending on a predefined work sequence.

[0133] In one embodiment, if desired, all profiles may also be projected together.

[0134] Suitably, in one embodiment, the control unit C is configured to control the lighting system 15 according to the specific projected Wap profile. For example, the control unit C can be programmed to control the lighting system 15 so as to turn off, or maintain at a reduced intensity, light sources of the lighting system 15 corresponding to non-projected work areas (for example close to the non-chosen work area, by means of a correspondence defined by the control unit C), and thus to correctly illuminate only the work area Wa of interest.

[0135] In one embodiment of the present invention, the Wap projected profiles are square or rectangular in shape, although any suitable shape falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0136] For example, once the image of the material has been taken through the image detectors 30, said image is processed and the entire material M is inscribed in a rectangle (or any other suitable shape), and subsequently the control unit C proceeds to divide it into the different working areas Wa.

[0137] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the work surface 2 is equipped with means (not illustrated, such as, for example, the conveyor belt previously mentioned in connection with the technical light), adapted to allow the movement of the material in a direction of movement (indicated with the arrow Dir, for example parallel to the direction Y), said means being actuated by inputs from the operator (which can act on appropriate means such as, for example, a pedal).

[0138] Suitably, the central unit C is configured to define in advance the size of the base of the profile Wap, as a function of the shape of the material (for example inscribing the material in a single theoretical rectangle or square and after division, as previously described), in particular as a function of the extension of the material M in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement Dir (extension of the side of the rectangle in which the material is inscribed), and to adjust the size of the height of said projected profile Wap as a function of the displacement of the material M along the direction of movement Dir (in other words, as the material moves, the side corresponding to the profile, in particular the side parallel to the direction of movement Dir, is also adjusted).

[0139] Furthermore, there may be cases in which there is no "vertical" subdivision into various working areas (i.e. along the minor side of the worktable), but possibly only a "horizontal" subdivision (i.e. only a line parallel to the major side of the table), which is updated as the belt moves. In any case, the profile projected to delimit the working area could be a simple horizontal line placed at a certain distance from the operator, the position of which is defined according to the movement of the belt (the two vertical lines are not necessary because one works on the entire width of the worktable and the lower line is not necessary because the area is well delimited by the end of the worktable near the operator (long side near the operator).

[0140] It is therefore noted that the term "profile" does not necessarily indicate a closed shape, but a simple line is also included in the meaning of this term.

[0141] In the case of a fabric inspection apparatus, the projector 21 comprises at least one laser projector, said laser projector being adapted to project, in addition to the profile Wap, also the defects (indicated with the reference S) of the material identified by the operator within the working area Wa through the signaling element 31. In this way, only the defects marked in the specific selected working area are projected, thus avoiding confusion for the operator, who no longer has any doubt about which area of ​​the material has been inspected and which has not. Thus, the projector can be configured to project various elements including profiles and defects within the profiles.

[0142] Of course, this solution is independent of the particular lighting configuration and can be implemented in a common apparatus which simply comprises any lighting system and any projector. Therefore, the present invention also relates to an apparatus 1 which is simply equipped with the projection functionality described above, regardless of the configuration of the lighting system 15 and its control.

[0143] Further, in one embodiment, the worktop 2 is configured to be raised / lowered / tilted as needed. The height / tilt adjustment can be stored and selected depending on the operator / material.

[0144] In this embodiment, the apparatus 1 may comprise a fixed lower part (e.g. comprising the base) and a movable upper part, comprising at least the worktop 2, the lighting and image detection system, in particular said upper part, being able to be raised / lowered relative to the base while keeping the distances between the lights / video cameras and the worktop equal. The same applies to the inclination (slope) of the worktop: the aforementioned upper part is tiltable as a whole, therefore not only the worktop, but also the lights and video cameras. These movements can be controlled through the control unit C.

[0145] Finally, as mentioned previously, in an alternative and less preferred embodiment, illustrated in [Fig.7], the apparatus 1 may be a cutting machine comprising at least one cutting unit or head 3 adapted to cut the material, in particular leather, arranged on the work surface 2. In this embodiment, the apparatus 1 may be a so-called cutting bench and may comprise the work surface 2 adapted to provide a support plane or a working surface for the sheet of material to be cut. The work surface 2 preferably has a quadrangular plane (even more preferably substantially rectangular) and the cutting unit 3 carried by at least one arm or spoke 4, acts on it. The work surface 2 is preferably a fixed plane on which the material to be cut is arranged and is free of clutter along at least two parallel sides of upper extension.In this case, the X direction is also called the sliding direction of the arm 4, which, therefore, in one embodiment, slides along the major sides of the worktop 2. However, nothing prevents, within the meaning of the present invention, the arm 4 from sliding along the minor sides of the worktop 2 or in any other way, and therefore the Y direction from being the sliding direction, the present invention not being limited to a particular sliding direction of the arm 4.

[0146] Of course, all the aspects set out above in connection with the lighting system 15 and its control also apply to the cutting machine described above, with the necessary precautions, and this is the reason why the same reference numbers are used.

[0147] In this embodiment, the support 9 may have an architrave shape supported by uprights 9a and the upper lights 15' and the spotlights 20 and 21 are placed thereon; the grazing lights 15” are instead placed at the level of the work surface 2. Suitably, the control of the lighting system 15 takes place as described above in relation to the inspection machine, i.e. the The most appropriate lighting mode is defined according to the material and / or the operation to be carried out.

[0148] Furthermore, it should be noted that the teachings of the present description of course also apply to a cutting machine with the conveyor belt and a closed cutting area.

[0149] Of course, the present invention also provides a general system derived by the combination of the cutting machine and the fabric inspection machine described above, for example arranged in sequence, with any suitable mechanical structure.

[0150] In conclusion, the present invention thus makes it possible to brilliantly overcome the technical problem, by providing the above apparatus and by resolving all the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0151] Advantageously, it is possible to obtain optimized control of the lighting without modifying the mechanical and electronic structure of the apparatus in any way, since the components used are substantially unchanged and only a simple command is added to the control unit, which is thus able to automatically carry out the automatic adjustment of the lighting system according to the needs indicated by the operator.

[0152] The possibility of adjusting the different grazing lights between them is very advantageous because it makes it possible to identify any orientation defect in the plane, by simply regulating these grazing lights as desired.

[0153] Finally, the possibility of dividing the material into various working areas is very advantageous because it avoids confusion by the operator regarding which part of the material has already been inspected and which has not; it is therefore a simple but very effective solution to solve this problem and facilitate the inspection.

[0154] Of course, a person skilled in the art, to meet particular needs and specifications, can make several changes and modifications to the apparatus described above, all included within the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

Claims

1. 1 Apparatus (1) for inspecting and / or processing a material, in particular leather, comprising: - a work surface (2) adapted to provide a support surface for the material, said work surface (2) having at least a first pair of opposite sides (2a) and at least a second pair of opposite sides (2b); - a control unit (C) adapted to manage the apparatus (1); and - a lighting system (15) comprising at least: - a first set of light sources (15') which are arranged and configured to illuminate the work surface (2) from an elevated position relative to said work surface (2), at a first angle of incidence with said work surface (2);and - a second set of light sources (15”) which are arranged and configured to emit grazing light towards the work surface (2), at a second angle of incidence with said work surface (2), said second angle of incidence being less than the first angle of incidence, wherein the second set of light sources (15”) comprises a first plurality of light sources (15”a) arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides (2a) of the first pair of opposite sides, and a second plurality of light sources (15”b) arranged at at least one of the two opposite sides (2b) of the second pair of opposite sides.;

2. 2 Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to allow relative adjustment between the first plurality of light sources (15”a) and the second plurality of light sources (15”b), for example by adjusting the relative intensity and / or the color temperature between said light sources.

3. 3 Apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured to allow relative adjustment of the first set of light sources (15') and the second set of light sources (15”).

4. 4 Apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that it is configured to allow the selective activation of one of the first set of light sources (15') or the second set of light sources (15”), and / or is configured to adjust the relative intensity between said first set of light sources (15') and said second set of light sources (15”).

5. 5 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (C) comprises a memory unit (MEM) comprising a plurality of operating instructions, each operating instruction corresponding to a lighting mode of said lighting system (15), and wherein said apparatus (1) further comprises means configured to allow the selection of a lighting mode from among said stored lighting modes, said control unit (C) being configured to control the lighting system (15) according to said selection.

6. 6 Apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein the memory unit (MEM) comprises a plurality of operating instructions stored for a respective plurality of materials, each instruction corresponding to a specific lighting mode of the lighting system (15), said specific lighting mode being adapted to the corresponding material and being selectable by means of the control unit (C).

7. 7 Apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein, in a first lighting mode, the control unit (C) is configured to define a first intensity and / or color temperature of the lighting system (15), and wherein, in at least one second lighting mode, the control unit (C) is configured to define a second intensity and / or color temperature of the lighting system (15) which is different from the first intensity and / or color temperature.

8. 8 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting system (15) comprises a plurality of LEDs.

9. 9 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second set of light sources (15”) comprises, at the respective side(s) of the work surface (2), a plurality of light sources arranged side by side and a plurality of respective lenses configured to generate a light beam having an opening angle of between 5° and 25°.

10. 10 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second set of light sources (15”) comprises, at the respective side(s) of the work plane (2), a plurality of light sources configured to generate a light beam having an angle of incidence with the work plane (2) of between 0 and 30°.

11. 11 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second set of light sources (15”) comprises a plurality of light sources arranged in at least two substantially parallel rows, and wherein, optionally, light sources arranged in one row are configured to generate a light beam having an angle of incidence with the work plane (2) which is different from the angle of incidence of light sources arranged in another row.

12. 12 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sides of the first pair of opposite sides (2a) are upper extension sides, and the sides of the second pair of opposite sides (2b) are lower extension sides, wherein the first plurality of light sources (15”a) is arranged at at least one of the two upper extension opposite sides (2a), and wherein the second plurality of light sources (15”b) is arranged at at least one of the two lower extension opposite sides (2b), said work surface (2) preferably having a rectangular shape.

13. 13 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one image detector (30) adapted to acquire images and / or videos of the material on the work surface (2), wherein the control unit (C) is configured to enable switching of the lighting system (15) at least between a first operating mode, which is adapted to enable inspection of the material by the operator, and a second operating mode, which is adapted to enable acquisition of images and / or videos by means of said detector image (30) and which corresponds to a different setting of the lighting system (15), wherein the optimal operating parameters of said at least one image detector (30) are optimized with respect to the setting of the lighting system (15) in said second operating mode, and wherein, in switching between the first operating mode and the second operating mode,said parameters of the image detector (30) are not modified.,

14. 14 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one projector (20, 21) adapted to project elements onto the work surface (2).

15. 15 Apparatus (1) according to claim 14, wherein the control unit (C) is configured to define a plurality of working areas (Wa) according to which the material (M) arranged on the plane work area (2) is virtually subdivided, and in which the projector (20, 21) is configured to project onto the work surface (2) profiles (Wap) corresponding to said work areas (Wa), each of said profiles (Wap) being adapted to identify a single work area in relation to the other work areas.

16. 16 Apparatus (1) according to claim 15, wherein the projector (20, 21) is configured to project the profiles (Wap) corresponding to the individual working areas (Wa) separately from each other, wherein the control unit (C) is adapted to allow the selection of a specific profile and thus the switching from the projection of one profile to the projection of a different profile, and wherein said control unit (C) is further adapted to control the lighting system (15) according to the specific projected profile (Wap).

17. 17 Apparatus (1) according to claim 16, wherein the control unit (C) is further configured to control the lighting system (15) so as to turn off, or maintain at a reduced intensity, light sources of the lighting system (15) which correspond to non-projected work areas.

18. 18 Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: - the projected profiles (Wap) have a square or rectangular shape, - the work surface (2) is equipped with movement means configured to allow movement of the material in a direction of movement (Dir), - the apparatus (1) comprises means for allowing actuation of the movement means according to a user input, and - the control unit (C) is configured to define the size of one side of said square or rectangular shape of the projected profile (Wap), said side extending along a direction (D) opposite to the direction of movement (Dir), according to the extension of the material (M) along said direction (D), and to adjust the size of one side of said square or rectangular shape of the projected profile (Wap), said side extending along the direction of movement (Dir),according to the displacement of the material (M) along said direction of displacement (Dir).,

19. 19 Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is an inspection machine comprising a plurality of image detectors (30) adapted to acquire images of the material on the work surface (2), wherein the control unit (C) is configured to process the images acquired by said image detectors (30) and to generate a digital copy of the inspected material.

20. 20 Apparatus (1) according to claim 19, comprising a signaling element (31) adapted to indicate defects on the surface of the material, wherein the control unit (C) is further configured to correlate the defects on the material indicated by said signaling element (31) with the acquired image of the material, with possible generation of a report indicating at least the shape and position of the defects on said material.

21. 21 Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 18 and according to claim 20, wherein the projector (21) comprises at least one laser projector, said laser projector being adapted to project, in addition to the profile (Wap), also defects of the material identified by the operator in the corresponding working area (Wa) through the signaling element (31).

22. 22 Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it is a cutting machine comprising at least one cutting unit (3) adapted to cut the material arranged on the work surface (2).

Images