Method and machine for machining slabs made of stone or stone-like material

Abstract

Method for machining slabs (I) made of stone or stone-like material, comprising the steps of i) preparing at least one slab (L) of stone or stone-like material to be machined, ii) detecting at least one image showing the form of the edge, the dimensions and the orientation of the slab (L) to be machined, iii) defining, on the basis of the at least one image, an optimized perimetral edge of the slab (L) to be machined, and iv) carrying out one or more machining operations on the slab (L) in an area comprised within the optimized perimetral edge and / or along the optimized perimetral edge so as to obtain one or more cut and / or machined parts (P) with a predetermined shape. The step iii) of defining the optimized perimetral edge is performed by means of processing of the at least one image detected during step ii) by means of the at least one processing unit with a software module based on at least one artificial intelligence algorithm so that the cut and / or machined parts (P) are obtained with a minimum amount of waste material and with maximization of the useful machining area within the optimized perimetral edge. The invention also concerns a machine (1) for machining slabs (L) made of stone or stone-like material.

Description

[0001] “Method and machine for machining slabs made of stone or stone-like material”

[0002] ★ ★★★★

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of machining slabs made of stone or stone-like material and concerns a method for machining slabs made of stone or stone-like material.

[0004] The invention also concerns a machine for machining slabs made of stone or stone-like material.

[0005] In the technical field relating to the machining of slabs made of stone or stone-like material it is widely known to perform operations of a varying nature, such as cutting the slabs and / or trimming the edges of the slabs and / or drilling the slabs and / or contouring the edges of the slabs by means of suitable machines.

[0006] These machines comprise machining means such as cutting tools and / or drilling tools and / or contouring tools and / or shaping tools which are interchangeable and mounted alternately on at least one spindle of the machines.

[0007] These tools may comprise cutting discs, nozzles for performing cutting with a high-pressure water jet, drilling bits, milling cutters and shaping tools.

[0008] For example, cutting machines are known from the Italian patents 102020000001954 and 102017000090771 and comprise, in addition to the cutting means, means for moving the cutting means of the Cartesian or anthropomorphic type and a support bench for the slabs to be machined and / or cut.

[0009] Conveniently, the machining of the slabs is performed so as to obtain the greatest possible number of cut and / or machined parts from a single slab, reducing the amount of waste material to a minimum.

[0010] It is also known in the field to define beforehand an optimized perimetral edge on the slabs, in order to establish the maximum useful surface or area within which the machining tool, such as a cutting disc or a contouring tool, may work.

[0011] This particular arrangement is required in order to limit the waste material produced following the machining of the slabs, thereby maximizing the useful machining area, and in order to reduce the machining time.

[0012] The definition of the perimetral edge is performed by detecting one or more images of the slab to be machined; if the edges of the slab must be trimmed, a cutting perimeter is also virtually traced along the optimized perimetral edge.

[0013] In accordance with a first technical solution, the detecting operation may be performed using at least one photo camera and / or video camera of the machine; the step of defining the optimized perimetral edge may be performed by an operator on a control screen of the machine.

[0014] Alternatively, in accordance with a second technical solution, it is envisaged using a scanner which, once having detected the perimetral edge of the slab, transmits the detection to a software of the machine for definition of the optimized perimetral edge.

[0015] The method of machining the slabs also involves the application beforehand of a reference element, for example in the form of a “marker”, on the slab in a predefined position so that all the detections made on the slab are in relation to this reference element. These technical solutions are not without drawbacks.

[0016] One drawback of the first technical solution consists in the fact that it requires particularly long execution times and in that the step of defining the optimized perimetral edge may be subject to errors and inaccuracies on the part of the operator or may not be uniform for slabs of similar shapes and sizes.

[0017] Because of this drawback, therefore, it is not possible to make the maximum possible - and therefore best - use of the available material, with only limited maximization of the useful machining area within the optimized perimetral edge and only a limited reduction in the amount of waste material resulting from said machining operations.

[0018] A further drawback of the second technical solution consists in the fact that the use of a scanner is particularly complex and costly, also due to the fact that it is required to provide in a fixed location of the machine a support and guide structure for the scanner, which is particularly bulky and increases the complexity of the machine.

[0019] The main object of the present invention is to provide a method and a machine for machining slabs of stone or stone-like material which are able to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0020] A particular task of the present invention is to provide a method and a machine of the aforementioned type which allow maximization of the useful machining area and the reduction as far as possible of the amount of waste material resulting from the machining of the slabs.

[0021] A further task of the present invention is to provide a method and a machine of the type indicated above which are able to limit the errors and inaccuracies on the part of a human operator. Another task of the present invention is to provide a method and a machine of the aforementioned type which are able to limit the overall machining time.

[0022] A further task of the present invention is to provide a machine of the type indicated above which is less complex and smaller in size and has a lower cost.

[0023] Another task of the present invention is to provide a method and a machine of the type indicated above which are able to maximize the useful machining area within the optimized perimetral edge and obtain the greatest possible number of cut and / or machined parts from a single slab, reducing the amount of waste material to a minimum.

[0024] The object and the main tasks described above are achieved with a method and a machine for machining slabs made of stone or stone-like material in accordance with Claim 1 and Claim 12, respectively.

[0025] In order to illustrate more clearly the innovative principles of the present invention and its advantages compared to the prior art, an example of embodiment of a machine for machining slabs made of stone or stone-like material will be described below with the aid of the attached figures. In particular, in the figures:

[0026] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a single-spindle machine for machining the slabs according to the present invention, with a respective enlarged detail;

[0027] - Figure 2 is a front view of the machine according to Figure 1 , with a respective enlarged detail;

[0028] - Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the machine according to Figure 1 ;

[0029] - Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the model used in the software module of the present invention. The present description, provided only for illustrative purposes and not limiting the scope of the invention, refers to a single-spindle machine for machining slabs made of stone or stone-like material.

[0030] The machine for machining the slabs is denoted overall in the attached figures by the reference number 1 .

[0031] The machine 1 for performing machining may also comprise a plurality of spindles, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for machining the slabs made of stone or stone-like material.

[0033] The slabs of stone or stone-like material, before undergoing machining, have respective forms and dimensions of the edges which below will also be referred to as actual forms and dimensions of the edges.

[0034] Advantageously, the machine 1 according to the present invention is a machine controlled by a controller or computer, for example a numerical control unit, and is intended to carry out various types of machining operations on the slabs L, such as the cutting and / or the drilling and / or the contouring of the slabs or the trimming and / or the contouring and / or the shaping of the edges of the slabs L by means of suitable tools so as to obtain cut and / or machined parts with a predefined shape.

[0035] For example, the parts P may consist of long strips and / or tiles and / or bathroom or kitchen tops which have one or more holes. Obviously, the parts obtained by means of machining of the slabs may also have shapes which are different from those indicated above, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. The machine 1 may be intended to work in “stand alone” mode, namely perform the machining of the slabs as described above so as to obtain parts with a predetermined shape in an autonomous manner.

[0036] Alternatively, it is also possible to envisage a production line comprising a series of machines according to the present invention in which each machine is intended to perform a different machining operation on the slabs.

[0037] The machine 1 for machining the slabs L made of stone or stone-like material comprises preferably:

[0038] - machining means 2 intended to perform one or more machining operations on the slabs L in order to obtain one or more cut and / or machined parts P with a predetermined shape;

[0039] - a support bench 4 for the slabs L;

[0040] - means 6 for moving the machining means 2 situated above the support bench 4;

[0041] - detection means 8 configured to detect at least one image showing at least the shape of the edge, the dimensions and the orientation of the slabs L;

[0042] - a controller or control computer, for example a numerical control unit (not shown in the attached figures) connected to the machining means 2, to the movement means 6 and to the detection means 8 and configured to control and adjust the operation thereof.

[0043] The machining means 2 may comprise at least one cutting tool and / or at least one drilling tool and / or at least one contouring tool and / or at least one shaping tool, which are interchangeable and mounted alternately on the at least one rotating spindle 7 of the machine 1 , namely a motor-driven spindle or an electric spindle, visible in Figure 3. These tools may comprise cutting discs, nozzles for performing cutting with a high-pressure water jet, drilling bits, milling cutters and shaping tools. The attached Figures 1 -3 show only a cutting tool consisting of a cutting disc 3 mounted on at least one spindle 7 of the machine 1 .

[0044] In accordance with an alternative embodiment (not shown in the figures), as already mentioned, the at least one cutting tool may consist of at least one nozzle for dispensing a high-pressure water jet.

[0045] The at least one nozzle may also be used in combination with the cutting disc and be movable between a retracted inoperative position and an extracted operative position.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 -3, the movement means 6 comprise at least one longitudinal beam 11 mounted slidably on the ends of lateral bridge support structures 13, a carriage 15 mounted slidably on the beam 11 , a sleeve 17 mounted on the carriage 15 and slidable along a respective vertical direction and a support head 19 mounted on the bottom end of the sleeve 17 and rotatable at least about a vertical axis.

[0047] The tools with the spindle 7 of the machining means 2 may be mounted in an interchangeable manner on the support head 19.

[0048] The support head 19 may also comprise a fork member connected rotatably to the bottom end of the sleeve 17 and a support rotatable with respect to the fork member about a horizontal axis.

[0049] The cutting disc 3 shown in the figures, together with the respective motor- driven spindle or electric spindle and any protective casing 5, is mounted on the rotatable support of the support head 19.

[0050] Said cutting disc 3 is intended to perform one or more cuts C on the slabs L along respective cutting perimeters and / or cutting directions at least so as to trim the edges of the slabs L and / or obtain cut parts.

[0051] The support head 19 may also comprise suction-cup means intended to pick up the cut and / or machined parts P after machining.

[0052] The detection means 8 preferably comprise at least one photo camera or video camera 9 of the type known per se.

[0053] As shown in the attached figures, the at least one photo camera or the at least one video camera 9 may be mounted on the beam 11 of the movement means 6 by means of a support 12.

[0054] The position and / or inclination of the at least one photo camera or video camera 9 may be adjusted with respect to the beam 11 .

[0055] However, the at least one photo camera or video camera 9 may also be mounted on other components of the machine 1 , for example on the lateral support structures 13, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0056] The orientation of the slabs L may be determined by applying onto the slabs a reference element, or “marker”, which is also detected by the images taken by the detection means 8, namely by the photo camera or the video camera 9.

[0057] Conveniently, the controller or control computer is configured to adjust and control the operation of the machining means 2, the movement means 6 and the detection means 8 according to a work program or setup intended to be loaded into the controller or control computer.

[0058] The work program or setup contains predefined values of predetermined operating parameters, in particular of the machining means 2 and the movement means 6. Said operating parameters may comprise:

[0059] - the torque applied to the at least one rotating spindle 7; and / or

[0060] - the number of revolutions of the at least one rotating spindle 7; and / or

[0061] - the peripheral speed of the at least one tool of the machining means 2; and / or

[0062] - the speed of advancing movement of the movement means 6; and / or

[0063] - the position and / or orientation and / or the direction of advancing movement of the at least one tool of the machining means 2; and / or

[0064] - the machining depth reached by the at least one tool of the machining means 2 with respect to the external surface of the slabs; and / or

[0065] - the machining area covered by the at least one tool of the machining means 2.

[0066] In accordance with the present invention, the machine 1 for machining slabs L made of stone or stone-like material comprises at least one processing unit with a software module based on at least one artificial intelligence algorithm and connected to the detection means 8 and to the controller or control computer.

[0067] The at least one processing unit (not visible in the attached figures) is configured to receive the at least one image from the detection means 8 and to carry out processing on the basis of the at least one image so as to define an optimized perimetral edge of the slabs.

[0068] The optimized perimetral edge represents a reference profile to be used during the machining operations performed by the machining means 2 of the machine.

[0069] Advantageously, the optimized perimetral edge is such that the cut and / or machined parts are obtained with a minimum amount of waste material and with maximization of the useful machining area within the optimized perimetral edge.

[0070] The form and the dimensions of the optimized perimetral edge may be similar to or different from the actual forms and dimensions of the edges of the slabs L before they undergo the machining operation and may therefore differ to a greater or lesser degree from said edges of the slabs L.

[0071] The at least one artificial intelligence algorithm may be of the machine learning, deep learning and reinforcement learning type or a combination of the three different types.

[0072] Preferably, the software module of the present invention uses the MobileSAM version of the SAM model (Segment Anything Model) with Meta Al properties, said version being light and optimized for the uses in the machine according to the present invention.

[0073] The SAM model consists of a model for segmentation of images able to identify specific objects in the images. As shown more clearly in Figure 4, the architecture of the SAM model generally comprises:

[0074] - an image encoder Ei designed to perform the subdivision of the images I input in the processing procedure into various parts or “patches”, intended to be converted into vectors, and to perform the extraction of predetermined characteristics from these images I; the encoder Ei is based preferably on a vision transformer (ViT) or on convolutional neural networks for producing an embedding representation Re;

[0075] - a series of so-called self-attention layers and neural networks which allow the model to process the information and define relationships between the different parts of the input images I;

[0076] - a message / request encoder Epdesigned to encode prompts (such as points P, delimitation boxes C, texts T, masks M) provided in embeddings which can be used by the model;

[0077] - a combiner designed to combine the information supplied by the image encoder Ei and by the message / request encoder Ep;

[0078] - a mask decoder Dmwhich uses the combined embeddings to generate one or more final segmentation masks Mf, the combiner being optionally integrated in the mask decoder.

[0079] In the present description, the term “embedding” is understood as meaning numerical representations of images or parts thereof intended to be used by the artificial intelligence of the present invention.

[0080] In the present invention, the global embeddings obtained from the image I input into the model contain useful information about the visual characteristics and spatial relationships in the image I.

[0081] As mentioned, the embeddings are then supplied to the mask decoder Dmwhich is intended to decode the information in order to produce the final masks Mf.

[0082] The image encoder Ei also comprises a transformer for subdividing the image to be processed I into the various parts which are treated as a series of tokens.

[0083] The transformer uses a multi-head attention function, defined as: where Q, K and V are matrices derived from the image and dk is the dimension of a key vector.

[0084] Moreover:

[0085] - the prompts for the message / request encoder Epmay comprise one or more points of the image and may be supplied by an operator or automatically to the model;

[0086] - the mask decoder Dmcombines the embeddings of the images Reand the prompts in order to generate accurate segmentation masks.

[0087] The mask decoder Dmuses the convolutions in order to produce the final segmentation mask Mf, i.e.

[0088] Mask(x) = Upsample(Conv(features)))

[0089] Moreover, the MobileSam version of the SAM model is trained on the basis of the data set Segment Anything 1 -Billion mask (SA-1 B), which contains over a billion segmented masks obtained from respective images.

[0090] This data set helps the SAM model to learn complex representations and to generalize various segmentation tasks.

[0091] The at least one image or images detected by the detection means 8 (together with the associated reference masks processed by MobileSAM) therefore constitute an input for the processing procedure performed by the software module based on the artificial intelligence algorithm of the at least one processing unit, while the optimized perimetral edge constitutes an output of the processing procedure performed by the software module based on the artificial intelligence algorithm of the processing unit.

[0092] In particular, the at least one artificial intelligence algorithm is configured to be trained on the basis of images of the slabs obtained by means of test detections and input into the artificial intelligence algorithm, these images being detected under different light and background conditions.

[0093] The test detections are performed preferably in accordance with the operating mode of step ii) of the method, which is described below, and by means of the detection means 8 described above; furthermore, the test detections are performed preferably before implementing the method according to the present invention.

[0094] The test detections are carried out on already produced and machined slabs which have actual forms and dimensions of the edge and orientations which are different from each other; moreover, the images of the slabs in the test detections have respective optimized perimetral edges obtained by means of test calculations also performed by means of the software module based on the artificial intelligence algorithm.

[0095] Conveniently, the test calculations are performed in accordance with the operating mode of step iii) of the method, which is described below.

[0096] Furthermore, the test calculations allow images to be obtained for training the at least one artificial intelligence algorithm with the respective reference masks for obtaining the final mask Mfwith the optimized perimetral edge, to be used for carrying out the machining of a slab.

[0097] In this connection, the machine 1 may comprise a database for storing the at least one image of the slabs to be machined and / or the images obtained by means of the test detections with associated optimized perimetral edges and the reference masks, the database being connected to the at least one processing unit and to the controller or control computer.

[0098] Advantageously, the images of the slabs for training the at least one artificial intelligence algorithm, before being stored in the database, may be processed again in order to compensate for the distortions of the detection means 8 and correct the perspective.

[0099] Furthermore, an operator may select one or more images of the slabs stored in the database with the respective reference masks, directly via the software module, in order to obtain the final output mask Mf.

[0100] In accordance with this latter embodiment, the at least one processing unit may use the artificial intelligence algorithm also to catalogue and classify the images of the slabs with the optimized perimetral edges depending on the forms of the edges, the dimensions, the orientation of the slabs, as well as the shape and size of the parts to be cut.

[0101] Therefore, the shape and size of the parts to be cut, in combination with the forms of the edges, the dimensions and the orientation of the slabs, represent an input for processing by the software module based on the artificial intelligence algorithm.

[0102] Moreover, the optimized perimetral edge obtained as output is a perimeter formed by a series of points of a predetermined number along X, Y coordinates of a final segmentation mask Mfof the slab obtained by means of the MobileSAM model of the artificial intelligence algorithm, of the type described above.

[0103] The optimized perimetral edge is simplified by maintaining the original shape and the series of coordinates of the points which form it are then supplied to the portions of the work program in order to cut the slabs into pieces.

[0104] Conveniently, the software module with the at least one artificial intelligence algorithm of the processing unit is configured to optimize the above-described work program or setup intended to be loaded into the controller or control computer, by adjusting the calculation of the values of the predetermined operating parameters described above.

[0105] The optimization is performed on the basis of the optimized perimetral edge determined by means of the processing performed by the software module based on the artificial intelligence algorithm of the at least one processing unit.

[0106] In particular, the artificial intelligence algorithm is configured to vary and adjust the operating parameters, for example the peripheral speed of the at least one tool of the machining means 2 and / or the speed of advancing movement of the movement means 6, of the work program, to be subsequently loaded into the controller or control computer, so that the final edge of the machined slabs L, where possible, coincides or is substantially close to the optimized perimetral edge and / or the parts are cut within the machining area delimited by the optimized perimetral edge.

[0107] For this purpose, the at least one processing unit may be configured to determine beforehand the optimized predetermined shape and / or location of the parts P to be cut and / or machined in the machining area within the optimized perimetral edge.

[0108] In this case, by means of the processing performed by the at least one artificial intelligence algorithm it is possible to determine, in addition to the optimized perimetral edge, also optimized cutting directions and / or cutting perimeters.

[0109] As mentioned, the present invention also relates to a method for machining slabs L made of stone or stone-like material, comprising the following steps: i) preparing at least one slab of stone or stone-like material to be machined; ii) detecting at least one image showing the form of the edge, the dimensions and the orientation of the slab L to be machined; iii) defining, on the basis of the at least one image, an optimized perimetral edge of the slab to be machined; iv) carrying out one or more machining operations on the slab in an area comprised within the optimized perimetral edge and / or along the optimized perimetral edge so as to obtain one or more cut and / or machined parts with a predetermined shape.

[0110] Conveniently, the method comprises a step of applying at least one reference element in order to establish the orientation of the slab L, the reference element being also detected during the step ii).

[0111] In accordance with the present invention, the step iii) of defining the optimized perimetral edge is performed by processing the at least one image detected during step ii) by means of the at least one processing unit with a software module based on at least one artificial intelligence algorithm so that the cut and / or machined parts P are obtained with a minimum amount of waste material and with maximization of the useful machining area within the optimized perimetral edge.

[0112] As described above, step iii) is performed preferably by means of the MobileSAM model of the artificial intelligence algorithm of the software module.

[0113] Advantageously, the method may comprise a step of training the at least one artificial intelligence algorithm on the basis of images obtained by means of test detections of slabs which have a different form of the edge, dimensions and orientation and on the basis of test calculations of the optimized perimetral edge in the detected images of the slabs, as described above with reference to the machine.

[0114] Furthermore, the imaged detected during step ii) and / or the images obtained by means of the test detections with the associated optimized perimetral edges are stored in a database connected to the at least one processing unit, as described above with reference to the machine.

[0115] The machining operations carried out during step iv) may comprise, for example, the trimming and / or contouring and / or shaping of the edges of the slab L and / or the cutting and / or the contouring and / or the drilling of the slab.

[0116] In this connection it is pointed out at that the cutting operations for obtaining the parts are performed within the area of the optimized perimetral edge and the machining operations involving the edges of the slab are performed along the optimized perimetral edge, defined beforehand by the at least one artificial intelligence algorithm.

[0117] The method according to the present invention is realized by means of the machine 1 for machining the slabs L of stone or stone-like material described above.

[0118] In this connection it is pointed out that the step ii) of detection of the at least one image is performed by means of the detection means 8 of the machine which comprise the at least one photo camera or at least one video camera 9, of the type described above. The at least one photo camera or video camera 9 is connected at leas indirectly to the processing unit.

[0119] As already indicated in the description of the machine 1 , the at least one artificial intelligence algorithm is configured to optimize the work program or setup intended to be loaded into the controller or control computer of the machine 1 and containing the predefined values of the predetermined operating parameters.

[0120] The operating parameters correspond to the parameters described above with reference to the machine.

[0121] By using the machining tools and the movement means with the predefined values of the operating parameters thus set and adjusted, it is possible to machine the slabs along an edge close to the optimized perimetral edge, obtaining the greatest possible number of cut and / or machined parts, while reducing the amount of waste material.

[0122] The method may also comprise, following step iii) and before step iv), a step of defining beforehand the optimized predetermined shape and location of the parts P to be cut and / or machined within the area of the optimized perimetral edge.

[0123] This step also allows the amount of waste material produced by the machining of the slab L to be reduced even further, while maximizing the useful machining area within the optimized perimetral edge.

[0124] From the above description it is now clear how the method and the machine for machining slabs of stone or stone-like material according to the present invention are able to achieve advantageously the predefined objects.

[0125] In particular, by using the at least one processing unit with the at least one artificial intelligence algorithm, it is possible to determine the optimized perimetral edge before proceeding with the machining operations, such as trimming, cutting, contouring, drilling and shaping.

[0126] In this way, it is possible to maximize the useful machining area within the optimized perimetral edge and to reduce the amount of waste material produced following machining of the slabs, while reducing the overall machining time.

[0127] Furthermore, the present invention is able to limit the complexity and the costs of the machine, since it does not use the scanner to detect the images of the slabs.

[0128] Obviously, the above description of embodiments applying the innovative principles of the present invention is provided by way of example of these innovative principles and must therefore not be regarded as limiting the scope of the rights claimed herein.

Claims

Claims1. Method for machining slabs (L) made of stone or stone-like material, comprising the following steps: i) preparing at least one slab (L) of stone or stone-like material to be machined; ii) detecting at least one image showing the form of the edge, the dimensions and the orientation of the slab (L) to be machined; iii) defining, on the basis of said at least one image, an optimized perimetral edge of said slab (L) to be machined; iv) carrying out one or more machining operations on said slab (L) in an area comprised within said optimized perimetral edge and / or along said optimized perimetral edge so as to obtain one or more cut and / or machined parts (P) with a predetermined shape; characterized in that said step iii) of defining the optimized perimetral edge is performed by means of processing of said at least one image detected in said step ii) by means of at least one processing unit with a software module based on at least one artificial intelligence algorithm.

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the method comprises a step of training the at least one artificial intelligence algorithm on the basis of images of slabs (L) with a different shape, dimensions and orientation obtained by means of test detections and on the basis of test calculations of the optimized perimetral edge on said images of the slabs (L).

3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one image detected in said step ii) and / or theimages obtained by means of the test detections with associated optimized perimetral edges are stored in a database connected to said at least one processing unit.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the machining operations performed in said step iv) comprise the trimming and / or contouring and / or shaping of the edges of the slab (L) and / or cutting and / or drilling and / or contouring of the slab (L).

5. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the method is performed by means of a machine (1 ) for machining slabs comprising:- machining means (2) intended to perform one or more machining operations in order to obtain cut and / or machined parts (P) with a predetermined shape from said slab (L);- a support bench (4) for the slab (L) to be machined;- means (6) for moving the machining means (2), situated above the support bench (4);- detection means (8) configured to detect at least one image showing at least the form of the edge, the dimensions and the orientation of the slab (L) to be machined;- a controller or control computer connected to the machining means (2), to the movement means (6) and to the detection means (8) and configured to control and adjust the operation thereof;- the at least one processing unit with at least the artificial intelligence algorithm, connected to said detection means and to said controller or control computer.

6. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said machining means (2) comprise at least one cutting tool and / or at least one drilling tool and / or at least one contouring tool and / or at least one shaping tool which are interchangeable and are mounted alternately on at least one rotating spindle (7).

7. Method according to either one of Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the at least one artificial intelligence algorithm is configured to optimize a work program or setup intended to be loaded into said controller or control computer and containing predefined values of predetermined operating parameters of said machining means (2) and / or of said movement means (6), the optimization being performed on the basis of the optimized perimetral edge determined in said step iii).

8. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said operating parameters comprise:- the torque applied to the at least rotating spindle (7); and / or- the number of revolutions of the rotating spindle (7); and / or- the peripheral speed of the at least one tool of said machining means (2); and / or- the speed of advancing movement of the movement means (6); and / or- the position and / or orientation and / or the direction of advancing movement of the at least one tool of said machining means (2); and / or- the machining depth reached by the at least one tool of said machining means (2) with respect to the external surface of the slab; and / or- the machining area covered by the at least one tool of saidmachining means (2).

9. Method according to Claim 5, characterized in that said detection means (8) for performing said step ii) comprise at least one photo camera or video camera (9) connected at least indirectly to the at least one processing unit.

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises, following said step iii) for defining the optimized perimetral edge and before said step iv) of performing one or more machining operations, a step of defining the optimized predetermined shape and location of the parts (P) within the area of the optimized perimetral edge.

11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises a step of applying at least one reference element for establishing the orientation of the slap (L), the reference element being detected in said step ii).

12. Machine (1 ) for machining slabs (L) made of stone or stone-like material, comprising:- machining means (2) intended to perform one or more machining operations on the slabs (L) in order to obtain one or more cut and / or machined parts (P) with a predetermined shape;- a support bench (4) for the slabs (L);- means (6) for moving the machining means (2), situated above the support bench (4);- detection means (8) configured to detect at least one image showing the form of the edge, the dimensions and the orientation of the slabs(L);- a controller or control computer connected to said machining means (2), to said movement means (6) and to said detection means (8) and configured to control and adjust the operation thereof; characterized in that the machine comprises at least one processing unit with a software module based on at least one artificial intelligence algorithm and connected to said detection means (8), said at least one processing unit being configured to receive the at least one image from said detection means (8) and to perform processing on the basis of the at least one image so as to define an optimized perimetral edge.

13. Machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one artificial intelligence algorithm is configured to be trained on the basis of images obtained by means of test detections of slabs (L) which have different forms of the edges, dimensions and orientation, the images comprising optimized perimetral edges.

14. Machine (1 ) according to either one of Claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the machine comprises a database for storing the at least one image of the slabs (L) to be machined and / or the images obtained with associated optimized perimetral edges by means of the test detections.

15. Machine (1 ) according to either one of Claims 13-14, characterized in that said machining means (2) comprise at least one cutting tool and / or at least one drilling tool and / or at least one contouring tool and / or at least one shaping tool which are interchangeable and mounted alternately on at least one rotating spindle (7).

16. Machine (1 ) according to any one of Claims 12 to 15, characterizedin that the at least one artificial intelligence algorithm is configured to optimize a work program or setup intended to be loaded into said controller or control computer and containing predefined values of predetermined operating parameters of said machining means (2) and / or of said movement means (6), the optimization being performed on the basis of the optimized perimetral edge.

17. Machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said operating parameters comprise:- the torque applied to the at least rotating spindle (7); and / or- the number of revolutions of the rotating spindle (7); and / or- the peripheral speed of the at least one tool of said machining means (2); and / or- the speed of advancing movement of the movement means (6); and / or- the position and / or orientation and / or the direction of advancing movement of the at least one tool of said machining means (2); and / or- the machining depth reached by the at least one tool of said machining means (2) with respect to the external surface of the slabs; and / or- the machining area covered by the at least one tool of said machining means (2).

18. Machine (1 ) according to any one of Claims 13-17, characterized in that said detection means (8) for performing said step ii) comprise at least one photo camera or video camera (9) connected at least indirectly to the at least one processing unit.

19. Machine (1 ) according to any one of Claims 13-18, characterized in that the at least one artificial intelligence algorithm is of the machine learning,deep learning and reinforcement learning type or a combination of the three different types.

20. Machine (1 ) according to any one of Claims 12-19, characterized in that said at least one processing unit is configured to define the optimized predetermined shape and location of the parts (P) in an area within the optimized perimetral edge.

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