Standard sizing machine control support system

Abstract

This system provides a control support system for measuring machines that makes it easier to automate the operation of measuring machines. [Solution] A steel material position detection unit is provided that learns by associating the speed standard of the conveying table of the sizing machine with image data of the conveying table, thereby enabling the detection of the positions of multiple steel materials conveyed by the conveying table from the image data, and a conveying pattern control unit that generates a conveying pattern for controlling the operation of the conveying table. The conveying pattern control unit collects actual data of the conveying pattern of the conveying table for each type of steel material product, generates a conveying pattern based on the actual data, compares the generated conveying pattern with a manual operation pattern, and when the difference between the conveying pattern and the manual operation pattern falls below a threshold, it provides a notification and switches to automatic control based on the conveying pattern in response to the input of an operation signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a dimension control support system.

Background Art

[0002] When cutting bar steel products such as steel bars to the product length using a cold shear or a cold saw, the transport table on the outlet side of the cooling bed is operated, and the steel material is pressed against the stopper of the dimension machine, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the product length. In general bar steel equipment, a plurality of materials are cut together. Since the tip positions of the steel materials to be cut are in a state of variation before contacting the dimension machine, the operator checks and cuts while confirming that all the steel materials are in contact with the dimension machine by monitoring or visually observing. However, if the transport table cannot be stopped at an appropriate timing, an error will occur in the product length, resulting in adverse effects on operation efficiency and yield.

[0003] A method of automatically controlling the transport table in equipment using a dimension machine has also been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). However, in order to automatically control the transport table, it is a prerequisite that the position of the steel material to be cut can be accurately confirmed, and it is necessary to adjust the speed pattern of the transport table to an appropriate value in advance according to operation patterns such as the number of steel materials and the length.

[0004] In order to fully automate the operation of a cold shear or a cold saw, a means for confirming the position of the steel material to be cut is required. It must be a method that can withstand an environment with a lot of dust and a high operation frequency, and can also cope with changes in the arrangement and number of steel materials on the transport table depending on the product. Conventional contact type limit switches, non-contact type proximity switches, photoelectric sensors, etc. could not achieve this.

[0005] Recent advancements in image processing technology have made it possible to determine the position of each individual steel material on a transport table using image data from surveillance cameras and other sources. With this method, there are no limitations on the number of sensor operations, and it is not necessary to change the amount of hardware required to accommodate changes in the arrangement and number of steel materials on the transport table.

[0006] However, accurately detecting the position of steel materials from image data requires a large amount of training data. Generally, equipment that produces steel bars and other steel products produces many types of products, resulting in countless combinations of arrangement, number, and product type of steel materials on the conveyor table. Therefore, organizing and gathering training data for detecting position information from image data is time-consuming. Furthermore, pre-defining and adjusting all operating patterns to correlate the detected steel material position information from image data with the movement of the sizing machine and conveyor table is even more time-consuming.

[0007] Therefore, in equipment using a measuring machine, it is desirable to make it easier to automate the operation of the measuring machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-85524 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a size-setting machine control support system that enables easier automation of the operation of a size-setting machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a transport table for transporting a plurality of steel materials arranged laterally in a predetermined transport direction; a drive device for driving the transport table and controlling the speed of the transport table; a stopper that aligns the positions of the ends of the plurality of steel materials by contacting the ends of the plurality of steel materials transported by the transport table; a cutting device that cuts the plurality of steel materials to a predetermined length by cutting the plurality of steel materials while the positions of the ends of each of the plurality of steel materials are aligned by the stopper; a camera that photographs a predetermined range of the transport table including the stopper and outputs image data representing the photographic result, thereby enabling the approach of the plurality of steel materials to the stopper and the contact of the ends of the plurality of steel materials to the stopper to be determined based on the image data; a monitor that receives the image data from the camera and displays the image based on the image data on the screen; an operation unit that receives the input of operation instructions for operating the transport table and the cutting device and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation instructions, thereby enabling the transport table and the cutting device to be operated manually; and the operation A sizing machine control support system for use in a sizing machine, comprising: a steel cutting control device that controls the operation of the transport table so that the plurality of steel materials are transported at a speed corresponding to the speed standard by inputting a speed standard to the drive device in accordance with the operation signal input from the work unit, and causes the cutting device to cut the plurality of steel materials by inputting a cutting instruction signal to the cutting device in accordance with the operation signal input from the operation unit, comprising: a steel position detection unit that receives the input of the speed standard to be input from the steel cutting control device to the drive device, and receives the input of image data from the camera, and learns the relationship between the speed standard and the image data so that the position of the plurality of steel materials can be detected from the image data; and a transport pattern control unit that generates a transport pattern for controlling the transport operation of the plurality of steel materials by the transport table as an alternative to manual operation at the operation unit, wherein the transport pattern control unit receives the speed standard to be input to the drive device, the operation signal to be input from the operation unit to the steel cutting control device, and product setting information of the plurality of steel materials being transported,A system is provided to control a steel cutting machine that receives input from the steel cutting control device and input information on the positions of the multiple steel materials detected by the steel material position detection unit, collects actual data on the transport pattern of the transport table for each type of steel material product based on the speed standard, the position information of the multiple steel materials, and the product setting information of the multiple steel materials, generates a transport pattern for each type of steel material product based on the actual data and the product setting information of the multiple steel materials, compares the generated transport pattern with the manual operation pattern input from the operation unit, and when the difference between the transport pattern and the manual operation pattern falls below a preset threshold, notifies the system and, in response to receiving the input of the operation signal for switching to automatic control, switches the transport operation of the multiple steel materials by the transport table from manual operation based on the operation unit to automatic control based on the transport pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] A system is provided to support the control of a measuring machine, making it easier to automate the operation of the measuring machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram schematically representing a sizing machine and a sizing machine control support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view showing a part of a machine for measuring dimensions. [Figure 3] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic graphs illustrating an example of the operation of the sizing machine control support system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Please note that the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationships between the thickness and width of each part, as well as the ratios of the sizes of the parts, are not necessarily identical to those of reality. Furthermore, even when representing the same part, the dimensions and ratios may differ between drawings. In this specification and in each figure, elements similar to those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0014] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically representing a sizing machine and a sizing machine control support system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the machine used for measuring dimensions. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sizing machine 100 comprises a transport table 102, a drive device 104, a stopper 106, a cutting device 108, a camera 110, a vibration sensor 112, a monitor 114, an operating unit 116, and a steel cutting control device 118. Figure 1 schematically shows a part of the sizing machine 100 viewed from the side, and Figure 2 schematically shows a part of the sizing machine 100 viewed from above.

[0015] The sizing machine 100 is used in the manufacturing equipment for steel materials 2. The sizing machine 100 is equipment in the manufacturing equipment for steel materials 2 that cuts the steel materials 2 sent from higher-level equipment such as rolling equipment and cooling beds to a predetermined length, and then sends the cut steel materials 2 to lower-level equipment such as a binding machine. More specifically, the steel materials 2 are steel bars and other bar products.

[0016] The conveying table 102 receives the steel material 2 sent from the upper equipment and conveys the steel material 2 in a predetermined conveying direction. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the conveying table 102 conveys the steel material 2 toward the left of the paper. The conveying table 102 has, for example, a plurality of rollers 102a, and conveys the steel material 2 by rotating the plurality of rollers 102a. However, the configuration of the conveying table 102 is not limited to this, and any configuration that can appropriately convey the steel material 2 is acceptable.

[0017] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance table 102 conveys a plurality of steel materials 2 in a state where they are arranged side by side in a predetermined conveyance direction. A plurality of steel materials 2 of products having different cross-sectional shapes such as thickness are sent from upper equipment to the conveyance table 102. Therefore, the number of steel materials 2 arranged on the conveyance table 102 and the positions of the plurality of steel materials 2 arranged on the conveyance table 102 differ depending on the products of the steel materials 2. More specifically, the side direction is a direction orthogonal to each of the vertical direction and the conveyance direction of the conveyance table 102.

[0018] The drive device 104 drives the conveyance table 102. For example, the drive device 104 performs rotational drive of a plurality of rollers 102a of the conveyance table 102. The drive device 104 drives the conveyance table 102, for example, by supplying power to the conveyance table 102 (a plurality of rollers 102a). Further, the drive device 1 includes, for example, controls the speed of the conveyance table 102 by controlling the magnitude of the power supplied to the conveyance table 102 (a plurality of rollers 102a). Thereby, the conveyance table 102 and the drive device 104 can adjust the speed at which the steel material 2 is conveyed. The conveyance table 102 conveys a plurality of steel materials 2 arranged side by side at an arbitrary speed by being driven by the drive device 104.

[0019] The stopper 106 aligns the positions of the tips of the plurality of steel materials 2 by contacting the tips of the plurality of steel materials 2 conveyed by the conveyance table 102. As shown in FIG. 2, there may be variations in the positions of the tips of the plurality of steel materials 2 in a state where they are sent from upper equipment. The stopper 106 contacts the plurality of steel materials 2 conveyed by the conveyance table 102 and aligns the positions of the tips of the plurality of steel materials 2, so that the plurality of steel materials 2 can be cut to substantially the same length (product length within the allowable error range).

[0020] The cutting device 108 cuts the plurality of steel materials 2 conveyed by the conveying table 102. The cutting device 108 is provided on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the conveying table 102 with respect to the stopper 106. The cutting device 108 cuts the plurality of steel materials 2 in a state where the tips of each of the plurality of steel materials 2 contact the stopper 106 and the positions of the tips of each of the plurality of steel materials 2 are aligned by the stopper 106. Thereby, the plurality of steel materials 2 can be cut into a predetermined length. Generally, when changing the lengths of the plurality of steel materials 2, the position of the stopper 106 is adjusted, but depending on the equipment, there may be cases where the position of the cutting device 108 in the conveying direction can be adjusted. The cutting device 108 is, for example, a cold shear or a cold saw.

[0021] As described above, in the sizing machine 100, the plurality of steel materials 2 are conveyed by the conveying table 102, and the plurality of steel materials 2 are cut by the cutting device 108 in a state where the positions of the tips of each of the plurality of steel materials 2 are aligned by the stopper 106. Thereby, compared with the case of conveying and cutting the steel materials 2 one by one, the time required for the cutting process of the plurality of steel materials 2 can be shortened. In other words, the production of the plurality of steel materials 2 can be speeded up.

[0022] Generally, since the stopper 106 has a mechanism that can move in the vertical direction, after the plurality of steel materials 2 are cut by the cutting device 108, the stopper 106 is retracted from the position where it contacts the tips of the plurality of steel materials 2 after cutting, so that the plurality of steel materials 2 after cutting are sent to the lower equipment by the conveyance of the conveying table 102.

[0023] The camera 110 photographs the plurality of steel materials 2 conveyed by the conveying table 102 and outputs image data (moving image data) representing the photographing result. The camera 110 photographs a predetermined range of the conveying table 102 including the stopper 106 and outputs image data (moving image data) representing the photographing result, so that the approach of the plurality of steel materials 2 to the stopper 106 and the contact of the tips of the plurality of steel materials 2 with the stopper 106 can be determined based on the image data. The camera 110 is provided, for example, above the conveying table 102 and photographs the above-mentioned predetermined range from above.

[0024] The vibration sensor 112 is installed on the stopper 106. The vibration sensor 112 detects vibrations of the stopper 106 and outputs vibration data corresponding to the detection result. More specifically, the vibration sensor 112 is designed to detect vibrations when the leading edge of the steel material 2, which is being transported by the transport table 102, comes into contact with the stopper 106. In other words, the vibration sensor 112 is designed to determine whether the leading edge of the steel material 2 is in contact with the stopper 106 based on the vibration data.

[0025] The monitor 114 receives image data input from the camera 110 and displays an image (moving image) based on the input image data on the screen. This allows the operator of the measuring machine 100 to refer to the images captured by the camera 110. In other words, the monitor 114 allows the operator of the measuring machine 100 to check in real time, based on the images captured by the camera 110, the approach of multiple steel materials 2 to the stopper 106, and the contact of the tips of the multiple steel materials 2 to the stopper 106.

[0026] The control unit 116 receives operation instructions from the operator of the sizing machine 100 and inputs operation signals corresponding to the input instructions to the steel cutting control device 118, thereby enabling manual operation of each part of the sizing machine 100.

[0027] The operation unit 116 receives, for example, an input of an operation instruction for operating the transport table 102 and the cutting device 108, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation instruction, thereby enabling manual operation of the transport table 102 and the cutting device 108. For example, if the stopper 106 is movable, the operation unit 116 may be made capable of manually moving the stopper 106.

[0028] The steel cutting control device 118 controls the operation of each part of the cutting machine 100, such as the drive device 104, stopper 106, and cutting device 108, based on the operation signals input from the operation unit 116.

[0029] The steel cutting control device 118 inputs a speed reference (operation command) to the drive device 104 in accordance with the operation signal input from the operation unit 116. The drive device 104 drives the transport table 102 so that multiple steel materials 2 are transported at a speed corresponding to the speed reference input from the steel cutting control device 118. In this way, the operation of the transport table 102 is manually controlled based on the operation of the operation unit 116.

[0030] The steel cutting control device 118 inputs a cutting instruction signal to the cutting device 108 in response to an operation signal input from the operation unit 116. The cutting device 108 cuts multiple steel materials 2 in response to the cutting instruction signal input from the steel cutting control device 118. In this way, the operation of the cutting device 108 is manually controlled based on the operation of the operation unit 116.

[0031] The operation of the transport table 102 is not always manually controlled; transport control up to a certain point may be performed automatically. This certain point is, for example, the point where the steel material 2 is detected by a sensor (not shown in the diagram), or the point where the steel material 2 enters the field of view of the camera 110. In other words, this certain point is the point where the distance between the tip of the steel material 2 closest to the stopper 106 among the multiple steel materials 2 being transported simultaneously and the stopper 106 is less than or equal to a predetermined distance.

[0032] The sizing machine control support system 10 is used in addition to such a sizing machine 100. The sizing machine control support system 10 receives inputs from the steel cutting control device 118, such as a speed reference input to the drive device 104, operation signals input to the steel cutting control device 118 from the operation unit 116, and setting information input to the steel cutting control device 118 from external devices such as a higher-level process controller. The setting information includes product information of the steel material 2. Product information of the steel material 2 includes, for example, the number of steel materials 2 that are transported simultaneously, the cross-sectional shape (thickness), and the product length.

[0033] Furthermore, the sizing machine control support system 10 receives image data input from the camera 110 and vibration data input from the vibration sensor 112. As a result, the sizing machine control support system 10 acquires time-series data of speed reference, image data, and vibration data.

[0034] The sizing machine control support system 10 includes a steel material position detection unit 12 and a transport pattern control unit 14. The steel material position detection unit 12 learns by associating a speed reference with the timing of contact between multiple steel materials 2 and the stopper 106 based on image data and the timing of vibration generation of the stopper 106 based on vibration data, thereby enabling it to detect the positions of multiple steel materials 2 from image data. In other words, the steel material position detection unit 12 can detect contact between the tips of multiple steel materials 2 and the stopper 106 based on the speed reference, image data and vibration data.

[0035] Furthermore, if the positions of multiple steel members 2 (contact with the stopper 106) can be appropriately detected using only speed criteria and image data, the steel member position detection unit 12 does not necessarily need to use vibration data. If vibration data is not used in the steel member position detection unit 12, the sizing machine 100 does not necessarily need to have a vibration sensor 112.

[0036] The configuration of the steel material position detection unit 12 can be any configuration that receives a speed reference input from the steel material cutting control device 118 to the drive device 104, and also receives image data input from the camera 110, and learns the relationship between the speed reference and the image data so that the positions of multiple steel materials 2 can be detected from the image data.

[0037] However, by equipping the measuring machine 100 with a vibration sensor 112 and performing learning using a speed reference, image data, and vibration data, the detection accuracy of the positions of multiple steel materials 2 (the detection accuracy of contact between the tips of the multiple steel materials 2 and the stopper 106) can be further improved.

[0038] The transport pattern control unit 14 constantly receives the following: a speed reference output from the steel cutting control device 118 to the drive device 104 of the transport table 102; operation signals input from the operation unit 116 to the steel cutting control device 118 based on the operator's operation; and image data of the area around the stopper 106 captured by the camera 110. In addition, product setting information for the multiple steel materials 2 being transported is input to the transport pattern control unit 14 at the timing when it is reflected in the settings of the steel cutting control device 118. Furthermore, the transport pattern control unit 14 receives information on the positions of the multiple steel materials 2 detected by the steel material position detection unit 12.

[0039] In this manner, the transport pattern control unit 14 receives input from the steel cutting control device 118, including a speed reference to be input to the drive device 104, an operation signal input from the operation unit 116 to the steel cutting control device 118, and product setting information for the multiple steel materials 2 being transported. It also receives input from the steel position detection unit 12, including information on the positions of the multiple steel materials 2 detected by the steel position detection unit 12.

[0040] In this state, by performing operations using conventional operator controls, the transport pattern control unit 14 collects actual data on the transport pattern (speed-based pattern) of the transport table 102 for each type of product of the multiple steel materials 2 to be cut. The operator of the cutting machine 100 manually controls the transport of the multiple steel materials 2 by the transport table 102 by operating the control unit 116 while visually confirming, for example, the image displayed on the monitor 114 or the multiple steel materials 2 on the transport table 102.

[0041] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic graphs illustrating an example of the operation of the sizing machine control support system. Figure 3(a) schematically shows an example of the speed reference collected by the transport pattern control unit 14. Figure 3(b) schematically shows an example of the vibration data collected by the transport pattern control unit 14.

[0042] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), during the operation of the sizing machine 100, if the distance between multiple steel materials 2 and the stopper 106 is large, the speed reference of the conveying table 102 is set to a higher value (for example, from time t0 to time t1 in Figures 3(a) and 3(b)). This allows the multiple steel materials 2 to approach the stopper 106 more quickly.

[0043] When multiple steel materials 2 approach the stopper 106 to a predetermined distance, the speed reference of the transport table 102 is gradually reduced (for example, from time t1 to time t2 in Figures 3(a) and 3(b)). Then, with the speed reference set to below the predetermined value, the tip of the first steel material 2 is brought into contact with the stopper 106. In other words, with the transport speed of the multiple steel materials 2 set to below the predetermined value, the tip of the first steel material 2 is brought into contact with the stopper 106 (for example, at time t2 in Figures 3(a) and 3(b)). This prevents damage to the stopper 106 and other components caused by contact of the steel materials 2 at excessive speed.

[0044] When the tip of the steel material 2 comes into contact with the stopper 106, the magnitude of the vibration of the stopper 106, as shown in Figure 3(b), temporarily increases. This allows for more accurate detection of the timing of contact between the tip of the steel material 2 and the stopper 106.

[0045] After the first steel material 2 is brought into contact with the stopper 106, the speed reference size of the conveying table 102 is adjusted as appropriate to sequentially bring the tips of multiple steel materials 2 into contact with the stopper 106 (for example, from time t2 to time t3 in Figures 3(a) and 3(b)).

[0046] After bringing the ends of all the steel materials 2 into contact with the stopper 106, the transport of the multiple steel materials 2 by the transport table 102 is stopped (for example, at time t4 in Figures 3(a) and 3(b)). For example, the transport of the multiple steel materials 2 by the transport table 102 is stopped by setting the speed reference of the transport table 102 to zero. Then, after stopping the transport of the multiple steel materials 2, the cutting device 108 is operated to cut the multiple steel materials 2. This makes it possible to cut the multiple steel materials 2 to a predetermined length.

[0047] The transport pattern control unit 14 collects operational data of the sizing machine 100 as described above. The transport pattern control unit 14 stores, for example, the positions of multiple steel materials 2 detected by the steel material position detection unit 12 in association with a speed reference. This allows it to learn the magnitude of the speed reference according to the positions of multiple steel materials 2. The transport pattern control unit 14 also stores, for example, vibration data in association with the positions and speed references of multiple steel materials 2. This allows it to learn, for example, how the image from the camera 110 looks when the tip of the steel material 2 contacts the stopper 106, and the magnitude of the speed reference set by the operation unit 116, more appropriately.

[0048] The transport pattern control unit 14 collects performance data and, based on the collected performance data and the product setting information of the multiple steel materials 2, generates a transport pattern for each type of steel material 2 product, which controls the transport operation of the multiple steel materials 2 by the transport table 102 as an alternative to manual operation by the operation unit 116.

[0049] The transport pattern control unit 14 reads past performance data for the same product based on the input product setting information for multiple steel materials 2, and generates a transport pattern corresponding to the multiple steel materials 2 based on the read performance data and the degree of variation in the position of the leading edges of the multiple steel materials 2 detected by the steel material position detection unit 12. The transport pattern is, for example, a speed-based pattern as shown in Figure 3(a).

[0050] The transport pattern control unit 14 compares the generated transport pattern with the manual operation pattern input from the operation unit 116 (the speed-based pattern used for actual control), and notifies the operator of the sizing machine 100 when the difference between the generated transport pattern and the manual operation pattern falls below a preset threshold. For example, the transport pattern control unit 14 makes a notification when the difference between the generated transport pattern and the manual operation pattern falls below the threshold over the entire period of the time-varying speed standard.

[0051] The transport pattern control unit 14 notifies, for example, by displaying a message on the screen of the monitor 114, that the difference between the generated transport pattern and the manually operated pattern has fallen below a threshold. In other words, the transport pattern control unit 14 notifies that the learning process for automatic transport pattern generation has been completed. The method of notification to the operator of the size-setting machine 100 is not limited to displaying on the monitor 114, but may be any method that appropriately notifies the operator of the size-setting machine 100 that the difference between the generated transport pattern and the manually operated pattern has fallen below a threshold, such as by lighting a dedicated lamp or outputting an audio signal. The notification may also be made, for example, to a mobile device such as a smartphone owned by the operator of the size-setting machine 100.

[0052] Furthermore, the transport pattern control unit 14 displays the generated transport pattern and the manually operated pattern on the monitor 114, for example, so that the operator of the sizing machine 100 can compare and confirm the generated transport pattern with the manually operated pattern. Note that the monitor that displays the generated transport pattern and the manually operated pattern may be a different monitor (a different display device) from the monitor 114 that displays the image from the camera 110.

[0053] The operation unit 116 can input an operation signal to the steel cutting control device 118 to switch from manual operation to automatic control based on the transport pattern generated by the transport pattern control unit 14, based on operation instructions from the operator of the sizing machine 100. Furthermore, the operation unit 116 can input an operation signal to the steel cutting control device 118 to switch from automatic control based on the transport pattern generated by the transport pattern control unit 14 to manual operation, based on operation instructions from the operator of the sizing machine 100.

[0054] The transport pattern control unit 14 switches the transport operation of the transport table 102 from manual operation based on the operation unit 116 to automatic control based on the transport pattern when the difference between the generated transport pattern and the manually operated pattern falls below a threshold and the steel cutting control device 118 has input an operation signal for switching to automatic control. The transport pattern control unit 14 may enable automatic control by inputting the generated transport patterns to the steel cutting control device 118 all at once, or by sequentially inputting the speed reference represented by the transport pattern to the steel cutting control device 118. The method of performing automatic control is not limited to the above, and any method that can appropriately control the operation of the transport table 102 according to the generated transport pattern is acceptable.

[0055] Furthermore, the transport pattern control unit 14, upon receiving an operation signal from the steel cutting control device 118 to switch to manual operation, switches the transport operation of the transport table 102 for multiple steel materials 2 from automatic control based on the transport pattern to manual operation based on the operation of the operation unit 116. The transport pattern control unit 14 allows the transport table 102 to be arbitrarily switched between manual operation and automatic control in response to the operation of the operation unit 116 by the operator of the sizing machine 100 or the like.

[0056] The transport pattern control unit 14 inputs a cutting instruction signal to the steel material cutting control device 118 after the transport of multiple steel materials 2 based on the transport pattern has been completed. The steel material cutting control device 118 inputs the cutting instruction signal received from the transport pattern control unit 14 to the cutting device 108, causing the cutting device 108 to cut the multiple steel materials 2. This automates the process from the transport of multiple steel materials 2 to the cutting of multiple steel materials 2.

[0057] It should be noted that the cutting of the multiple steel materials 2 does not necessarily have to be automated. For example, the transport pattern control unit 14 may, after the transport of the multiple steel materials 2 based on the transport pattern is completed, notify the monitor 114 or the like that the transport is complete, thereby allowing the operator of the sizing machine 100 to manually cut the multiple steel materials 2.

[0058] In this way, the sizing machine control support system 10 learns by associating a speed reference with the timing of contact between multiple steel materials 2 and the stopper 106 based on image data and the timing of vibration of the stopper 106 based on vibration data, enabling the detection of the positions of multiple steel materials 2 from the image data.

[0059] After learning to detect the positions of multiple steel materials 2 from image data, the process moves on to adjusting the transport pattern control function, and the transport pattern control unit 14 collects operational data of the sizing machine 100.

[0060] The transport pattern control unit 14 collects actual data and generates transport patterns based on the collected data. The transport pattern control unit 14 compares the generated transport pattern with the manually operated pattern and issues a notification when the difference falls below a threshold, so that the timing for deciding whether to switch control to the fixed-size machine control support system 10 can be determined. Then, in response to receiving an operation signal to switch to automatic control, the transport pattern control unit 14 switches the transport operation of the multiple steel materials 2 by the transport table 102 to automatic control based on the transport pattern.

[0061] After switching to automatic control, the operator of the sizing machine 100 does not need to operate the control unit 116, and the transport of multiple steel materials 2 is performed automatically based on the control of the transport pattern control unit 14.

[0062] As explained above, in the sizing machine control support system 10 according to this embodiment, the required transport pattern can be determined by simply defining a threshold that determines the difference between the transport pattern determined by the transport pattern control unit 14 and the manual operation pattern for each type of steel material 2. Therefore, unlike conventional methods, it is not necessary to pre-categorize all operating patterns and define the relationship between the steel material position information from camera images and the movement of the sizing machine and the transport table, thus significantly reducing the effort required for control automation. The sizing machine control support system 10 according to this embodiment makes it easier to automate the operation of the sizing machine 100.

[0063] Furthermore, if, upon completion of the transport of multiple steel materials 2 based on the transport pattern, a cutting instruction signal is input from the transport pattern control unit 14 to the steel material cutting control device 118, causing the cutting device 108 to cut the multiple steel materials 2, the process from transporting the multiple steel materials 2 to cutting them can be automated, further enhancing the convenience of the sizing machine control support system 10.

[0064] This embodiment includes the following aspects. (Note 1) A transport table that transports multiple steel materials in a predetermined transport direction with them arranged side by side, A drive device that drives the transport table and controls the speed of the transport table, A stopper that aligns the positions of the ends of the multiple steel materials by coming into contact with the ends of the multiple steel materials being transported by the transport table, A cutting device that cuts the multiple steel materials to a predetermined length by cutting the multiple steel materials while the positions of the ends of each of the multiple steel materials are aligned by the stopper, A camera that photographs a predetermined range of the transport table including the stopper and outputs image data representing the photographic result, thereby enabling the determination of the approach of the multiple steel materials to the stopper and the contact of the tips of the multiple steel materials to the stopper based on the image data, A monitor that receives the image data input from the camera and displays an image based on the image data on its screen, An operating unit that receives input of operation instructions for operating the transport table and the cutting device, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation instructions, thereby enabling manual operation of the transport table and the cutting device. A steel cutting control device controls the operation of the transport table so that the plurality of steel materials are transported at a speed corresponding to the speed standard by inputting a speed standard corresponding to the operation signal input from the operation unit to the drive device, and also controls the operation of the transport table so that the plurality of steel materials are transported at a speed corresponding to the speed standard by inputting a cutting instruction signal to the cutting device in response to the operation signal input from the operation unit, thereby causing the cutting device to cut the plurality of steel materials. A control support system for a measuring machine used in a measuring machine equipped with the following features: A steel material position detection unit receives the speed reference input from the steel material cutting control device to be input to the drive device, and also receives the image data input from the camera, and learns the relationship between the speed reference and the image data so that the positions of the multiple steel materials can be detected from the image data. A transport pattern control unit generates a transport pattern for controlling the transport operation of the multiple steel materials by the transport table, in place of manual operation at the aforementioned operation unit. Equipped with, The transport pattern control unit, The drive device receives input of the speed reference, the operation signal input from the operation unit to the steel cutting control device, and product setting information of the multiple steel materials being transported, and also receives input of position information of the multiple steel materials detected by the steel position detection unit from the steel position detection unit. Based on the speed criteria, the position information of the multiple steel materials, and the product setting information of the multiple steel materials, actual data of the transport pattern of the transport table for each type of product of the multiple steel materials is collected. Based on the aforementioned performance data and the setting information for the multiple steel products, the transport pattern is generated for each type of the multiple steel products. The generated transport pattern is compared with the manual operation pattern input from the operation unit, and when the difference between the transport pattern and the manual operation pattern falls below a preset threshold, a notification is issued. In response to receiving the input of the operation signal for switching to automatic control, the operation of transporting the multiple steel materials by the transport table is switched from manual operation based on the operation of the operation unit to automatic control based on the transport pattern. A control support system for measuring machine dimensions.

[0065] (Note 2) The measuring machine further includes a vibration sensor that detects vibrations of the stopper and outputs vibration data corresponding to the detection result. The steel material position detection unit receives vibration data input from the vibration sensor and learns the relationship between the speed reference, the image data, and the vibration data, thereby enabling the detection of the positions of the multiple steel materials from the image data, as described in Appendix 1.

[0066] (Note 3) After the transport of the plurality of steel materials based on the transport pattern is completed, the transport pattern control unit inputs a cutting instruction signal to the steel material cutting control device. The steel cutting control device is a sizing machine control support system according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the steel cutting control device inputs the cutting instruction signal received from the transport pattern control unit to the cutting device, thereby causing the cutting device to cut the plurality of steel materials.

[0067] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 2...Steel material, 10...Sizing machine control support system, 12...Steel material position detection unit, 14...Conveying pattern control unit, 100...Sizing machine, 102...Conveying table, 104...Drive device, 106...Stopper, 108...Cutting device, 110...Camera, 112...Vibration sensor, 114...Monitor, 116...Operation unit, 118...Steel material cutting control device

Claims

1. A transport table that transports multiple steel materials in a predetermined transport direction with them arranged side by side, A drive device that drives the transport table and controls the speed of the transport table, A stopper that aligns the positions of the ends of the multiple steel materials by coming into contact with the ends of the multiple steel materials being transported by the transport table, A cutting device that cuts the multiple steel materials to a predetermined length by cutting the multiple steel materials while the positions of the ends of each of the multiple steel materials are aligned by the stopper, A camera that photographs a predetermined range of the transport table including the stopper and outputs image data representing the photographic result, thereby enabling the determination of the approach of the multiple steel materials to the stopper and the contact of the tips of the multiple steel materials to the stopper based on the image data, A monitor that receives the image data input from the camera and displays an image based on the image data on its screen, An operating unit that receives input of operation instructions for operating the transport table and the cutting device, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation instructions, thereby enabling manual operation of the transport table and the cutting device. A steel cutting control device controls the operation of the transport table so that the plurality of steel materials are transported at a speed corresponding to the speed standard by inputting a speed standard corresponding to the operation signal input from the operation unit to the drive device, and also controls the operation of the transport table so that the plurality of steel materials are transported at a speed corresponding to the speed standard by inputting a cutting instruction signal to the cutting device in response to the operation signal input from the operation unit, thereby causing the cutting device to cut the plurality of steel materials. A control support system for a measuring machine used in a measuring machine equipped with the following features: A steel material position detection unit receives the speed reference input from the steel material cutting control device to be input to the drive device, and also receives the image data input from the camera, and learns the relationship between the speed reference and the image data so that the positions of the multiple steel materials can be detected from the image data. A transport pattern control unit that generates a transport pattern for controlling the transport operation of the multiple steel materials by the transport table, in place of manual operation at the aforementioned operation unit, Equipped with, The transport pattern control unit, The drive device receives input of the speed reference, the operation signal input from the operation unit to the steel cutting control device, and product setting information of the multiple steel materials being transported, and also receives input of position information of the multiple steel materials detected by the steel position detection unit from the steel position detection unit. Based on the speed criteria, the position information of the multiple steel materials, and the product setting information of the multiple steel materials, actual data of the transport pattern of the transport table for each type of product of the multiple steel materials is collected. Based on the aforementioned performance data and the setting information for the multiple steel products, the transport pattern is generated for each type of the multiple steel products. The generated transport pattern is compared with the manual operation pattern input from the operation unit, and when the difference between the transport pattern and the manual operation pattern falls below a preset threshold, a notification is issued. In response to receiving the input of the operation signal for switching to automatic control, the operation of transporting the multiple steel materials by the transport table is switched from manual operation based on the operation of the control unit to automatic control based on the transport pattern. A control support system for measuring machine dimensions.

2. The measuring machine further includes a vibration sensor that detects vibrations of the stopper and outputs vibration data corresponding to the detection result. The steel material position detection unit receives vibration data input from the vibration sensor and learns the relationship between the speed reference, the image data, and the vibration data, thereby enabling the detection of the positions of the multiple steel materials from the image data, as described in claim 1.

3. After the transport of the plurality of steel materials based on the transport pattern is completed, the transport pattern control unit inputs a cutting instruction signal to the steel material cutting control device. The steel cutting control device inputs the cutting instruction signal received from the transport pattern control unit to the cutting device, thereby causing the cutting device to cut the plurality of steel materials, according to claim 1, a control support system for a steel cutting device.

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