Braille Inspection System

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inspection system (46) for inspecting Braille in a conversion machine (1), the inspection system comprising an image sensor (48) configured to capture at least one image of a first Braille tool (36) with embossing projections (40), a memory (52) and a control unit (51). The control unit is configured to determine an actual Braille lettering sequence (Sa) from the at least one image and to compare the actual Braille lettering sequence with a desired Braille lettering sequence stored in the memory.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to converting machines for producing packaging elements such as folding boxes, and more particularly to an inspection system and method for detecting and inspecting Braille. [Background technology]

[0002] Converting machines, such as folding and gluing machines, are used in the manufacture of paperboard and corrugated boxes. These machines include multiple workstations where blanks are fed and the blanks are folded and glued to form folded boxes. An adjustment section may be located at the exit of the converting machine and configured to stack and adjust the blanks into receptacles or banded stacks.

[0003] Some types of boxes must be provided with Braille lettering so that the visually impaired can read the information. These types of boxes include medicine boxes.

[0004] EP 2844462 discloses a converting machine in the form of a folding and gluing machine, which is fed with blanks already cut to shape and provided with folds, and which are passed between a male and a female Braille embossing roller before being folded and glued to form a box.

[0005] However, folding and gluing machines produce work batches of boxes that vary in size, paper type, and artwork. As a result, the configuration of the Braille tools must be changed or replaced to match the Braille lettering with the box artwork and standard printed information. Therefore, machine operators have several different Braille tools at their disposal. This leads to the risk that inexperienced machine operators will confuse the Braille tools. Furthermore, Braille tools tend to wear out over time, which negatively affects the quality and readability of the Braille patterns transferred onto the blanks. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2844462 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, there is a need to further improve the system disclosed in EP 2844462 to ensure accurate transfer and high quality of the Braille lettering on the blank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inspection system for inspecting Braille in a conversion machine, the inspection system comprising: an image sensor configured to capture at least one image of a first Braille tool having embossing protrusions, the first Braille tool being disposed on an outer periphery of the first embossing roller; a memory configured to store a program and a desired Braille lettering sequence; a control unit configured to execute a program that enables the control unit to retrieve at least one image from the image sensor, determine an actual Braille lettering sequence from the at least one captured image, and compare the actual Braille lettering sequence with a desired Braille lettering sequence stored in a memory; Equipped with.

[0009] The present invention is based on the recognition that by capturing at least one image and consequently scanning the embossing projections on the Braille tool, the correctness of the embossed Braille lettering sequence on the blank can be guaranteed. By scanning the Braille tool, the operator can also verify the Braille tool before starting to produce the box. In this way, the production of multiple erroneous boxes can be avoided.

[0010] The term "on the circumference" of the first embossing roller means that the first Braille tool can be positioned on a portion of the circumference of the embossing roller or on the entire circumference of the embossing roller. Thus, the expression "on the circumference" is not limited to the first Braille tool surrounding the entire circumference of the first embossing roller.

[0011] The desired Braille lettering sequence can be input to the main control system as an image file. The image file can be input directly via a machine interface, such as an operator interface with a display. Alternatively, the image file can be input to the main control system from a remote computing device. The computing device can be a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The remote computing device is connected to the main control system of the machine via a communications network. The communications network can be, for example, an internet network with a cloud structure.

[0012] The converting machine may be a folding and gluing machine. The folding and gluing machine may include a Braille embossing module having a cooperating embossing roller, the first Braille tool being provided on the periphery of the embossing roller.

[0013] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to issue a control signal based on a correlation between the actual Braille lettering sequence and the desired Braille lettering sequence.

[0014] In one embodiment, the image sensor is further configured to capture an image of a second Braille tool provided on the outer periphery of the second embossing roller and comprising the embossing cavities. The first and second Braille tools can be provided on the outer periphery of cooperating embossing rollers.

[0015] The program may further include instructions that enable the control unit to perform the translation of the actual Braille lettering sequence into plain text.

[0016] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to display the translated Braille lettering in plain text on a user interface, which may be an operator interface of the conversion machine, or additionally or alternatively, the user interface may be a remote interface in a computer network.

[0017] The control unit may be further configured to compare the plain text with a verified master text stored in the memory.

[0018] In one embodiment, the image sensor is configured to capture multiple images, and the control unit is capable of retrieving the multiple images from the image sensor and determining the actual Braille lettering sequence from the multiple captured images.

[0019] The program may further include instructions for performing a first topography measurement of the embossing protrusions of the first embossing tool and a second topography measurement of the embossing cavities of the second embossing tool.

[0020] In one embodiment, the inspection device is further configured to capture images of the Braille lettering sequence on the blank passing through the conversion machine.

[0021] The inspection device can be configured to measure the embossing depth of the Braille lettering sequence formed on the blank.

[0022] In one embodiment, the same image sensor is configured to capture images of the first and second Braille tools and the embossed Braille lettering sequence on the blank.

[0023] The image sensor may be rotatably positioned such that the image sensor can be rotated to a plurality of detection positions. The image sensor may comprise, for example, a laser profiler and a camera.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of inspecting Braille in a converter, the method comprising: A) inputting a desired Braille lettering sequence into a control system of a conversion machine; B) activating an image sensor to capture at least one image of a surface of the rotating first Braille tool having embossing protrusions; C) retrieving at least one image from the image sensor; D) determining an actual Braille lettering sequence on the first Braille tool from the at least one captured image; E) comparing and determining a correlation between the actual Braille lettering sequence and the desired Braille lettering sequence; F) generating a control signal to start or pause the converter; Includes:

[0025] The step of determining the actual Braille lettering sequence on the first Braille tool can be a visual detection of a pattern, and similarly, the step of comparing the correlation between the actual Braille lettering sequence and the desired Braille lettering sequence can be a visual comparison performed by detecting the presence or absence of dots.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: E2) moving the image sensor to a second detection position and capturing a plurality of images of the second Braille tool before step F) is performed.

[0027] In one embodiment, step B) is accomplished by an image sensor capturing multiple images, step C) is accomplished by retrieving multiple images from the image sensor, and step D) is accomplished by determining the actual Braille lettering sequence from the multiple images.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises: E2) calculating the embossing height of the embossing protrusions on the first Braille tool and the embossing depth of the embossing cavities on the second Braille tool; E3) determining whether the embossing height and embossing depth are within first and second predefined tolerance ranges; These steps are performed after step E) and before step F).

[0029] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like features are given the same reference numerals, and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a conversion machine in the configuration of a folding and gluing machine. [Figure 2a] 1 is a schematic top view of a blank for producing a folding box. FIG. [Figure 2b] 1 is a schematic top view of a folding box. FIG. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a Braille embossing module. [Figure 3b] 3b is a schematic perspective detail view of the cooperating braille rollers in the braille embossing module of FIG. 3a; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an inspection system according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5a] 1 is a schematic diagram of a detection position of an inspection system of the present invention; [Figure 5b] 1 is a schematic diagram of a detection position of an inspection system of the present invention; [Figure 5c]1 is a schematic diagram of a detection position of an inspection system of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Reference is made to the drawings, and in particular to Figures 1 and 2a, which show a converting machine 1 in the form of a folding-gluing machine 1 and a blank 2 to be processed therein. The folding-gluing machine 1 is configured to receive a blank 2 having a peripheral edge 4 defining the shape of flaps 6 and further having crease lines 8. The crease lines 8 make it possible to fold the blank 2 along a predetermined line. At the end of the converting machine 1, the blank 2 has been converted into a folded box 2'.

[0032] The folding-gluing machine 1 of the present invention comprises a series of different workstations in the form of modules. From inlet to outlet, the modules may include a supply module 10, a Braille embossing module 11, a fold pre-breaking module 12, a gluing module 14, and a folding module 16. After the gluing and folding modules 14, 16, an output module and adjustment section 20 may be provided for counting the stream of shingles of folding boxes 2', separating them into separate batches, and arranging them together in receptacles or in banded stacks. The converting machine 1 may also comprise optional modules such as a quality control device 18 for checking the surface of the blanks 2. The converting machine 1 further comprises a transport system including a conveyor, such as an endless belt, for transporting the blanks 2 in the transport direction D.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the Braille embossing module 11 comprises a first Braille embossing roller 30 and a second Braille embossing roller 32, which are mounted to receive the blank 2 in the gap c between them.

[0034] The Braille embossing rollers 30, 32 may each include mounting means 34 for a first Braille tool 36 and a second Braille tool 38. The first and second Braille tools 36, 38 are mounted to the outer periphery of the first and second embossing rollers 30, 32, respectively. The first and second Braille tools 36, 38 are preferably in the form of flexible metal plates.

[0035] The first Braille tool 36 is mounted vertically above the second Braille tool 38 and preferably includes protrusions 40 on its outer surface. The second Braille tool 38 includes corresponding cavities 42 on its outer surface. The cavities 42 are configured to receive the protrusions 40 when the embossing rollers 30, 32 rotate. The first Braille tool 36 includes a Braille lettering sequence S. The second Braille tool 38 may be a standard tool with cavities 42 configured to receive any Braille protrusions 40 regardless of their position. Within the context of this application, the first Braille tool 36 may be referred to as a "male Braille tool" and the second Braille tool 38 may be referred to as a "female Braille tool."

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4 , an inspection system 46 is provided near the Braille embossing module 11. The inspection system 46 includes an image detector 48 configured to capture an image of the first Braille tool 36. The image detector 48 includes an illumination device 49 and a camera 50. The illumination device 49 illuminates the relief of the first Braille tool 36, and the camera 50 captures at least one image. Preferably, the camera 50 is configured to capture multiple images of the first Braille tool 36. The camera 50 may include an area scan camera, and the illumination device 49 may be a laser profiler. The area scan camera is configured to capture a two-dimensional image of the first Braille tool 36.

[0037] To capture a complete image of the complete Braille lettering sequence S on the first Braille tool 36, the image detector 48 preferably captures multiple images while the first Braille tool 36 is rotating. The first Braille tool 36 can rotate one full rotation (i.e., 360°) or to the angular displacement to which the first Braille tool 36 is attached.

[0038] The inspection device 46 further comprises a control unit 51 and a memory 52. ​​The memory 52 may comprise a program including an algorithm that enables the control unit 51 to extract a two-dimensional image from the image sensor 48. The memory 52 is further configured to store a desired Braille lettering sequence Sv. The desired Braille lettering sequence Sv is preferably a pattern. The desired Braille lettering sequence Sv may be a graphical representation such as a dot plot or an image. The pattern may be stored as an image file. The desired Braille lettering sequence Sv may be input into the memory 52 together with a job configuration file.

[0039] The job configuration file may contain multiple settings required to produce a particular working batch of folding boxes 2'. The job configuration file may include the spatial coordinates of the desired Braille lettering sequence Sv on the blank 2. The position of the desired Braille lettering sequence Sv on the blank 2 enables the control unit 51 to determine and calibrate the field of view F of the camera 50. In addition, the job configuration file may include details of the Braille pattern size, ejection threshold, and measurement sequence of the inspection system 46. The ejection threshold may be one or more unacceptable deviations from the desired position, such as a distance deviation. Specifying an ejection threshold is particularly useful if the converting machine 1 is equipped with an ejection module for erroneous blanks.

[0040] The job configuration file may be input into the main control system 54 of the converting machine 1. That is, each time a new job configuration file is uploaded, a new desired Braille lettering sequence Sv may be automatically input into the memory 52 of the inspection system 46. However, the job configuration file may be stored in the memory 52 and retrieved therefrom for repeated work batches of similar folding boxes 2'.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the job configuration file or at least some of the configuration parameters, including the desired Braille lettering sequence Sv, can be stored on a remote server 56. The remote server 56 and the main control system 54 are connected by a computer network. The network can include an internet connection between the main control system 54 of the conversion machine 1 and the remote server 56. The remote server 56 can be located on a cloud-based network. In such a way, the job configuration file or at least some of the configuration parameters can be sent from the remote server 56 to the control unit 51 of the inspection system 46. Thus, the conversion machine 1 can be automatically configured from a remote location in the computer network.

[0042] However, if the job configuration file does not contain the desired Braille sequence Sv, the main control system 54 can deactivate the inspection system 46. This is useful for converting machines 1 that also produce folding boxes 2' without Braille lettering.

[0043] The program in the memory 52 further enables the control unit 51 to execute a control procedure for checking the first Braille tool 36. This control procedure allows the first Braille tool 36 to be verified in relation to the job configuration file of the folding box 2'. The program is configured to operate the image detector 48. The control unit 51 is configured to receive at least one image from the image detector 48. Preferably, the control unit 51 is configured to receive multiple captured images from the image detector 48 and generate a composed three-dimensional image from the multiple images. The three-dimensional image is then input into the memory 52. ​​Preferably, the control unit 51 is configured to extract only dot heights and dot positions from the captured images. Thus, the control unit 51 can be configured to perform topography measurements of the Braille protrusions 40 on the first Braille tool 36. The dot heights and dot positions can be shown in the composed three-dimensional image, which is a topography image.

[0044] The program further enables the control unit 51 to determine the actual Braille lettering sequence Sa from the topographic image. The actual Braille lettering sequence Sa can be a graphical representation such as a dot plot or an image containing the locations of Braille dots. Thus, the actual Braille lettering sequence Sa is preferably represented by Braille dots rather than by standard visually readable printed text.

[0045] The program enables the control unit 51 to determine an actual Braille lettering sequence Sa from the at least one image. The program also preferably includes instructions that enable the control unit 51 to compare the actual Braille lettering sequence Sa with a desired Braille lettering sequence Sv stored in the memory 52.

[0046] The control unit 51 can issue a control signal based on the correlation between the actual Braille lettering sequence Sa and the desired Braille lettering sequence Sv. The control signal can pause or enable the converting device 1. If the determined actual Braille lettering sequence Sa does not match the desired Braille lettering sequence Sv in the memory 52, the control unit 51 can issue an error signal. The error signal can pause the operation of the converting machine 1. In this way, the control unit 51 can provide information to the main control system 54 that the first Braille tool 36 is not suitable for the job. The threshold for determining an error state can be set to the absence of one dot or the presence of one erroneous dot.

[0047] Additionally, the program may include instructions that enable the control unit 51 to perform a translation of the actual Braille lettering sequence Sa into plain text. The translated text may be displayed on an operator interface 55 of the converter 1. This further provides the advantage that an operator who cannot read Braille lettering can easily understand whether the first Braille tool 36 has held an erroneous Braille lettering sequence S that does not match the standard printed text on the blank 2. Additionally or alternatively, the translated text may be displayed on a remote interface 57 of a computer network.

[0048] The inspection system 46 can be further configured to determine the surface quality of the first and second Braille tools 36, 38. Because the first and second Braille tools 36, 38 are subject to wear, it is advantageous to monitor their surface quality. Because the embossing projections 40 are received within the aligned cavities 42, any misalignment of the tools 36, 38 can cause mechanical wear between the tools 36, 38. By continuously monitoring the quality of the first and second Braille tools 36, 38, excessive wear problems caused by misalignment can be detected early, before the tools 36, 38 become worn enough to render them unusable.

[0049] The control unit 51 can determine the expected remaining production time of the first and second Braille tools 36, 38 from the determined surface quality. In this way, replacement of the Braille tools 36, 38 can be predicted. The remaining production time can be defined, for example, in terms of the number of folding boxes 2′ with Braille lettering. Alternatively, the remaining production time can be defined in terms of the remaining rotations of the Braille tools 36, 38 (i.e., 360-degree rotations of the respective Braille embossing rollers 30, 32). Calculation of the expected remaining production time can be performed at start-up of the folding-gluing machine 1. This can ensure that the surface quality of the Braille tools 36, 38 is at least sufficient for the number of folding boxes 2′ of the planned work batch (i.e., production run).

[0050] It is also possible to provide each individual Braille tool 36, 38 with an identification element 39. The identification element 39 can be, for example, an RFID tag, a barcode or QR code, or a numeric reference engraved or printed on the Braille tool 36, 38. In that way, the control unit 51 can record the elapsed usage time and predict the remaining usage time of each Braille tool 36, 38. The elapsed usage time and remaining usage time can be uploaded to a central monitoring system that monitors overall machine health and performance. The central monitoring system can be located on a remote server 56.

[0051] The height of each protrusion 40 can be determined and compared to a predetermined first tolerance range Tr1. The first tolerance range Tr1 is the range between the lowest allowable Braille protrusion height T1min and the highest allowable Braille protrusion height T1max. The first tolerance range Tr1 can be, for example, a deviation of approximately ±0.05 mm from the desired protrusion height T1. The first tolerance range Tr1 can be the same for each embossing protrusion 40. Alternatively, the tolerance range Tr1 can vary depending on the specific location of the dot. In addition, topography measurements can be performed on the Braille cavities 42 of the second Braille tool 38. The depth of each cavity 42 can be determined and compared to a predetermined second tolerance range Tr2. The second tolerance range Tr2 is the range between the lowest allowable Braille cavity depth T2min and the highest allowable Braille cavity depth T2max.

[0052] The control unit 51 can issue an error signal if either the embossing protrusions 40 or the embossing cavities 42 are outside their respective tolerance ranges Tr1, Tr2, which can enable the control unit 51 to determine whether the surface quality of the Braille tools 36, 38 is sufficient to produce a box 2' having a Braille lettering sequence S of acceptable quality.

[0053] The image sensor 48 is preferably positioned downstream of the Braille embossing module 11 in the conveying direction D. The image sensor 48 may be positioned in a position where both the first Braille tool 36 and the second Braille tool 38 are within the field of view F of the camera 50. However, in a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 5a to 5c, the image sensor 48 may be configured to have a changeable field of view F. In such a way, the image sensor 48 is in a first position when capturing an image of the first Braille tool 36 and in a second position when capturing an image of the second Braille tool 38.

[0054] This can be achieved by configuring the image sensor 48 to be rotatably positioned. In such a way, the image sensor 48 can be rotated to multiple detection positions. In a first detection position, the field of view F can be aligned with the first Braille tool 36, as shown in FIG. 5a. In a second detection position, the field of view F can be aligned with the second Braille tool 38, as shown in FIG. 5b.

[0055] 5c, the image sensor 48 can be further configured to pivot to a third detection position, in which the field of view of the camera 50 coincides with the position of the embossed Braille sequence S on the blank 2. The embossed cavities on each blank 2 can be detected and their depths measured. In this way, a final quality control can be performed on each blank 2. This is advantageous because any quality errors resulting from the blank substrate (e.g., due to paper quality and thickness, humidity, etc.) can be detected in combination with the male and female Braille tools 36, 38. Additionally, in the case of non-recurring errors, the erroneous blank 2 can be ejected in an ejection module located downstream.

[0056] The final quality control may also include measuring the position of the actual Braille lettering sequence Sa on the blank 2. An error message may be generated if an incorrect position is determined. The error message may be displayed visually on the operator interface 55 of the converting machine or on the remote interface 57. Additionally or alternatively, the error message may be an audible signal. If the actual Braille lettering sequence Sa is not in the correct position on the blank 2, the erroneous blank 2 may be ejected using an ejection module (such as that described in EP 2976279). The correct position may be defined by a predetermined longitudinal coordinate referenced to the leading edge of the blank 2 in the conveying direction D. Optionally, the correct position may also be defined from the side edges of the blank 2.

[0057] The control unit 51 can therefore be configured to determine the actual position of the actual Braille lettering sequence Sa on the blank 2 and to calculate the deviation from a predefined longitudinal coordinate. The predefined longitudinal coordinate can be defined from the leading edge of the blank 2 in the conveying direction D.

[0058] In one embodiment, the testing sequence can be performed by first testing the second Braille tool 38 with the cavity 42, so that the control unit 51 can first obtain information about locations that can receive the Braille protrusions 40. The control unit 51 can give an alarm signal or suspend operation of the conversion machine if a blocked cavity 42 is present.

[0059] Alternatively, the inspection sequence can be performed by first inspecting the first Braille tool 36 with the embossing projections 40, then inspecting the second Braille tool, and finally inspecting the blank 2.

[0060] When using the inspection system 46 of the present invention, the desired Braille lettering sequence Sv is first input into the main control system 54 of the conversion machine 1. The desired Braille lettering sequence Sv can be input into the main control system 54 as an image file. The image file can be, for example, a PDF file or a standard image file such as a JPEG or GIF. The image file can include other visual information such as motifs and ink-printed lettering fields. The image file can also include blank dimensions, including the location of flaps and fold lines. The reference location for the visual information and fold lines can be, for example, the side edge or leading edge of the blank 2, or both.

[0061] The image files may be input directly via the operator interface 55. Alternatively, the image files may be input to the main control system 54 from a remote location connected to the main control system 54 via a communication network such as the Internet. The communication network may have a cloud structure.

[0062] The step of determining the actual Braille lettering sequence Sa on the first Braille tool 36 can be a visual detection of patterns. Similarly, the step of comparing the correlation between the actual Braille lettering sequence Sa and the desired Braille lettering sequence Sv can be a visual comparison to detect the presence or absence of dots.

[0063] The main control system 54 can be a centralized control system into which other parameters such as the design, box dimensions, production rate, etc. are also input. The desired Braille lettering sequence Sv can be received by the inspection system via an internet connection from a remote server 56. Alternatively, the desired Braille lettering sequence Sv can be uploaded to the memory 52 of the inspection system 46 via a communications port. However, some data related to the Braille lettering can also be manually entered into the main control system 54. For example, entering or modifying desired threshold values ​​T1r, T2r for dot height or cavity depth.

[0064] Next, the image sensor 48 is activated to capture at least one image of the surface of the first Braille tool 36. Preferably, the image sensor 48 captures multiple images of the surface of the first Braille tool 36, which includes the embossing protrusions. Preferably, this scanning procedure is performed while rotating the first Braille tool 36. The control unit 51 retrieves multiple images from the image sensor 48. The number of captured images corresponds to the required resolution. The control unit 51 can then assemble the multiple captured images into a composite three-dimensional image. A typical resolution of the scanned image is on the order of 1000 pixels wide.

[0065] The control unit 51 can then determine, from at least one or more scanned images, the actual Braille lettering sequence Sa on the first Braille tool 36. The actual Braille lettering sequence Sa is then compared to the desired Braille lettering sequence Sv. Based on this comparison, the control unit 51 can determine a correlation between the actual Braille lettering sequence Sa and the desired Braille lettering sequence Sv.

[0066] A control signal can further be generated based on the correlation. The control signal can be a binary signal. The control signal allows the conversion machine 1 to start or pauses operation of the conversion machine 1. Additionally or alternatively, the control signal can generate a message on an operator interface 55 of the conversion machine. Additionally or alternatively, the message can be generated on a remote interface 57 of a computer network.

[0067] This procedure allows the inspection system 46 to detect whether the actual Braille lettering sequence Sa on the first Braille tool 36 is correct. In an advantageous embodiment, the method further includes measuring the embossing height of the embossing protrusions 40 on the first Braille tool 36 and the embossing depth of the embossing cavities 42 on the second Braille tool 36. This measurement can be made from the synthesized three-dimensional image, as described above.

[0068] Next, the control unit 51 can further determine whether the embossing height and the embossing depth are within first and second predefined tolerance ranges Tr1, Tr2. The first tolerance range Tr1 is provided for the first Braille tool 36, and the second tolerance range Tr2 is provided for the second Braille tool 38. The tolerance range Tr1 of the first Braille tool 36 may be narrower than the tolerance range Tr2 of the second Braille tool 38. Therefore, the control unit 51 can further check that the height of the embossing protrusion and the depth of the embossing cavity are within the respective tolerance ranges Tr1, Tr2 before issuing the control signal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1. Transformation Machine 36 First Braille Tool 40 Embossed protrusion 46 Inspection Systems 48 Image Sensor 51 Control Unit 52 memory 54 Main Control System 55 Operator Interface 56 Remote Server 57 Remote Interface

Claims

1. An inspection system (46) for inspecting Braille characters in a conversion machine (1), comprising: an image sensor (48) configured to capture at least one image of a first Braille tool (36) having embossing protrusions (40), said first Braille tool being provided on the outer periphery of the first embossing roller (30); a memory (52) configured to store a program and a desired Braille lettering sequence (Sv); a control unit (51) configured to execute the program, the program enabling the control unit to retrieve the at least one image from the image sensor (48), determine an actual Braille lettering sequence (Sa) from the at least one captured image, and compare the actual Braille lettering sequence with the desired Braille lettering sequence stored in the memory; An inspection system comprising:

2. 2. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to issue a control signal based on a correlation between the actual Braille lettering sequence (Sa) and the desired Braille lettering sequence (Sv).

3. The image sensor is further configured to capture an image of a second Braille tool, the second Braille tool being provided on the outer periphery of a second embossing roller (32) and including an embossing cavity.

3. The inspection system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. 4. The inspection system of claim 3, wherein the first and second Braille tools are mounted on the periphery of cooperating embossing rollers (30, 32), respectively.

5. 10. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the program further comprises instructions that enable the control unit to perform a translation of the actual Braille lettering into plain text.

6. 6. The inspection system of claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to display the translated Braille lettering in plain text on a user interface (55, 57).

7. 7. The inspection system of claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to compare the plain text with a verified master text stored in the memory.

8. 4. The inspection system of claim 3, wherein the image sensor is configured to capture a plurality of images, and the control unit is capable of retrieving the plurality of images from the image sensor and determining an actual Braille lettering sequence from the captured plurality of images.

9. 9. The inspection system of claim 8, wherein the program further includes instructions for performing a first topographical measurement of the embossing protrusions of the first Braille tool and a second topographical measurement of the embossing cavities of the second Braille tool.

10. 2. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the inspection system is further configured to capture an image of a Braille lettering sequence (S) on a blank (2) passing through the converting machine.

11. The inspection system of claim 10 , wherein the inspection system is configured to measure an embossing depth of the Braille lettering sequence formed on the blank.

12. 12. The inspection system of claim 11, wherein the image sensor is rotatably disposed such that the image sensor can be rotated and positioned to a plurality of detection positions.

13. The inspection system of claim 1 , wherein the image sensor comprises a laser profiler (49) and a camera (50).

14. A method for checking Braille in a conversion machine (1), comprising the steps of: A) inputting a desired Braille lettering sequence (Sv) into the main control system (54) of said conversion machine; B) activating an image sensor (48) to capture at least one image of a surface of the rotating first Braille tool (36) with embossing protrusions; C) retrieving said at least one image from said image sensor; D) determining an actual Braille lettering sequence (Sa) on the first Braille tool from the at least one captured image; E) comparing and determining a correlation between the actual Braille lettering sequence and the desired Braille lettering sequence; F) generating control signals to start or pause said conversion machine; A method comprising:

15. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of: E2) moving the image sensor to a second detection position and capturing a plurality of images of a second Braille tool (38) before step F) is performed.

16. 16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the image sensor captures a plurality of images, the plurality of images being retrieved from the image sensor, and an actual Braille lettering sequence being determined from the plurality of images.

17. E2) calculating the embossing height of the embossing protrusions on the first Braille tool and the embossing depth of the embossing cavities on the second Braille tool; E3) determining whether the embossing height and the embossing depth are within first and second predefined tolerance ranges; 16. The method of claim 15, comprising: wherein said steps are performed after step E) and before step F).

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