System for locating an acoustic signal, use of a system of this type and method for locating an acoustic signal

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for locating an origin of an acoustic signal in a facility (100) for metal production and / or metal processing, wherein the system (1) has a first and a second sound sensor (10, 11), wherein the sound sensors (10, 11) are each designed to receive an acoustic signal, preferably an acoustic signal coming from the facility (100); and a data processing device (20) which is data-connected to the sound sensors (10, 11) and is designed to locate the origin of an acoustic signal received by the sound sensors (10, 11).

Description

[0001] Page 1 / 74

[0002] Applicant: SMS group GmbH

[0003] Our reference number: P81103WO

[0004] System for localizing an acoustic signal, use of such a system and method for localizing an acoustic signal

[0005] The invention relates to a system for localizing an acoustic signal, a use of such a system and a method for localizing an acoustic signal.

[0006] Metal production and / or metalworking plants can extend over several hundred meters and are typically monitored with a large number of optical sensors, such as cameras. It is not uncommon for a single operator to have to monitor ten or more screens. This can lead to undesirable events in the metal production and / or metalworking plant being overlooked if the operator relies solely on visual monitoring of the screens. This can result in malfunctions and associated plant downtime. Meanwhile, automatic image analysis and image processing techniques, which can be used in combination with optical sensors like cameras and send alerts to an operator, are prone to errors and expensive.

[0007] The invention aims to enrich the prior art. Page 2 of 74

[0008] P81103WO The problem underlying the invention is solved by a system with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] More precisely, the problem underlying the invention is solved according to a first aspect of the invention by a system for localizing the origin of an acoustic signal in a metal production and / or metalworking plant, wherein the system comprises a first and a second sound sensor, the sound sensors each being configured to receive an acoustic signal, preferably an acoustic signal emanating from the plant, and a data processing device connected to the sound sensors, which is configured to localize the origin of an acoustic signal received from the sound sensors.

[0010] A system designed in this way offers the advantage of pinpointing the sound source underlying the received acoustic signals with increased accuracy and reduced costs. This makes it possible, for example, to monitor a metal production and / or metalworking plant almost completely with comparatively little effort and to locate the origin of the acoustic signals with greater precision, allowing a plant operator to immediately determine their source. This enables the early detection of undesirable plant conditions and the implementation of countermeasures to prevent or reduce malfunctions and associated plant downtime.

[0011] In the present case, a metal may comprise one or more than one metal, including an ferrous metal and / or a non-ferrous metal and / or an alloy. In particular, a metal may comprise a non-ferrous metal, a light metal, and / or a precious metal. Page 3 / 74

[0012] P81103WO Metal can include, in particular, steel, aluminium and / or copper.

[0013] A plant for metal production and / or metalworking can be configured to produce and / or process a metallic workpiece. Preferably, a plant for metal production and / or metalworking is configured to produce and / or process a metallic workpiece, in particular a metallic workpiece with an endless length, at least temporarily continuously.

[0014] A metallic workpiece can be a semi-finished product which contains at least one metal or which has a metal content of greater than or equal to 90 wt. -%, preferably a metal content of greater than or equal to 95 wt. -% and particularly preferably a metal content of greater than or equal to 98 wt. -%.

[0015] The metallic workpiece has a thickness, a width, and a length. The metallic workpiece can have an endless length. A metallic workpiece with an endless or significantly greater length compared to its width can also be called a metal strip.

[0016] A plant for metal production and / or metal processing can be configured to convey a metallic workpiece, preferably along its length, in a conveying direction. In other words, the conveying direction and the length of the metallic workpiece preferably run parallel to each other, at least in sections, preferably along a common central axis.

[0017] A metal production and / or metalworking plant may include a steel production and / or steelworking plant. Metal production and / or metalworking plant, page 4 / 74

[0018] P81103WO can have one or more than one device. A metal production and / or metalworking plant can include a primary forming device, in particular a casting device, preferably a continuous casting device, a permanent mold casting device, and / or a die casting device. A metal production and / or metalworking plant can include a forming device, in particular a compression forming device and / or a tensile forming device, preferably a rolling device. A metal production and / or metalworking plant can be configured to process a metallic workpiece, preferably mechanically and / or thermally. In particular, a metal production and / or metalworking plant can include a heating device, in particular a furnace and / or an induction heating device.

[0019] A pressure forming device is designed to deform a metallic workpiece by means of compressive forces. A pressure forming device can be a rolling mill or a forging device. A rolling mill can have at least one rolling stand. Preferably, a rolling mill has more than one rolling stand, for example, 2, 3, 4, or more rolling stands. Preferably, the rolling stands are arranged one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction. Advantageously, a metallic workpiece with a starting thickness of greater than or equal to 2 mm is pressure formed, in particular rolled, preferably with a starting thickness of greater than or equal to 6 mm, particularly preferably with a starting thickness of greater than or equal to 10 mm, and most preferably with a starting thickness of greater than or equal to 30 mm.

[0020] A tensile forming device is designed to deform a metallic workpiece using tensile forces. A tensile forming device can be a drawing device, in particular a drawing device for improving the flatness of the metallic workpiece. Page 5 / 74

[0021] P81103WO workpiece. Advantageously, a metallic workpiece with a starting thickness of less than or equal to 12 mm is formed, in particular stretched, preferably with a starting thickness of less than or equal to 10 mm and particularly preferably with a starting thickness of less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0022] A metal production and / or metalworking plant may include a cutting device. A cutting device may include a cutting device that produces chips, for example, a saw, a milling device (preferably a bar mill), a drilling device, a grinding device, a honing device, a lapping device, and / or another cutting device that produces chips. A cutting device may also include a shearing device (for example, a punching device). Furthermore, a cutting device may include a flame cutting device and / or an electrical discharge machining (EDM) device (preferably a spark EDM device) and / or a wire EDM device. A metal production and / or metalworking plant may include a joining device (preferably a welding device, a brazing device, an adhesive bonding device), and / or a riveting device).A plant for metal production and / or metal processing may include a coating facility, in particular a painting facility, an electroplating facility, a powder coating facility and / or a zinc plating facility.

[0023] An acoustic signal is the detectable, preferably temporal, progression of sound by a sensor, preferably a sound sensor. A sound can consist of one or more sound waves. A sound wave can be understood as a mechanical vibration in an elastic medium. This mechanical vibration causes pressure and density fluctuations in the medium, which propagate through it. Therefore, a sound wave can be understood as a deformation propagating as a mechanical wave in an elastic medium. (Page 6 / 74)

[0024] P81103WO Sound wave is therefore preferably variable in time and space.

[0025] A sound wave can originate from a sound source and / or a sound event. A sound source is an object that superimposes an additional alternating pressure on the static pressure of an elastic medium, thereby generating one or more sound waves. For example, a body vibrating in an elastic medium is a sound source. According to one embodiment, the metal production and / or metalworking plant and / or a component of the plant, such as a rolling mill, can be a sound source. A sound source can therefore be the origin of an acoustic signal.

[0026] A sound event is a physical-acoustic process that is spatially, temporally, and characteristically determined by physical parameters and exists objectively, regardless of whether or how it is perceived. A sound event can be described using sound field quantities. A sound event can be triggered, for example, by a sound source. A sound source can trigger more than one sound event. These sound events can generate the same or different sound waves, particularly with respect to a sound frequency and / or sound pressure level. For example, a roller in a rolling mill of a metal production and / or metalworking plant can be a sound source. The roller can, for instance, trigger a sound event when a metallic workpiece is fed into it.Furthermore, the roller can trigger one or more sound events while the roller is engaged with and forming the metallic workpiece.

[0027] A sound frequency is the number of vibrations or cycles that occur in a sound wave per second, preferably on a previously seen page 7 / 74

[0028] P81103WO occurs at a specific location. In other words, the sound frequency describes how often the mechanical wave, i.e., the sound wave, repeats itself within one second. The sound frequency is typically given in Hertz (Hz). Consequently, an acoustic signal can include a sound frequency detectable by a sound sensor. Typically, an acoustic signal comprises a variety of different sound frequencies.

[0029] The elastic medium can comprise a fluid, in particular a gas and / or a liquid, and / or a solid. Sound propagates at a speed of sound that is constant for a medium and its state. The state of the medium includes, in particular, its temperature and / or pressure.

[0030] A sound field is the region within an elastic medium through which sound waves propagate. A sound field can be described by one or more sound field quantities. These quantities include sound pressure, sound displacement, particle velocity, sound acceleration, and other alternating quantities used to describe a sound field, particularly hydrodynamic parameters such as fluctuations in the density and / or temperature of the elastic medium.

[0031] The sound pressure fluctuation refers to the pressure variations of a sound field in an elastic medium that occur during sound propagation. Consequently, the sound pressure fluctuation is the alternating pressure superimposed on the static pressure of an elastic medium. This alternating pressure can be detected by a sound sensor. Therefore, an acoustic signal can encompass the sound pressure fluctuation detectable by a sound sensor. A sound pressure level is a logarithmic quantity associated with the sound pressure fluctuation. The sound pressure level is defined as the base-10 logarithm of the square ratio between an RMS value of the measured sound pressure level and the sound pressure level. (Page 8 / 74)

[0032] P81103WO sound pressure level and a reference value. The reference value can be a value commonly used in acoustics, such as 20 μPa. According to one embodiment, the reference value can also be a different value. The RMS value of the measured sound pressure level is the root mean square of the sound pressure level.

[0033] Sound displacement refers to the instantaneous distance of a particle in an elastic medium within a sound field from its equilibrium position. Particle velocity refers to the rate at which particles in the elastic medium oscillate around their equilibrium position. Particle velocity is the time derivative of sound displacement. The time derivative of particle velocity is sound acceleration.

[0034] A sound field can also be described by one or more sound energy quantities. These sound energy quantities include sound energy, sound energy density, and other energy quantities used to describe a sound field.

[0035] Sound energy is the energy contained in a sound field and / or a sound event. Sound energy includes both kinetic and potential energy. In other words, the sound energy transmitted by a sound wave depends on the sound pressure level and the particle velocity of the sound wave. Sound energy density is a measure used to describe the sound energy present at a specific location within the sound field. Sound energy density is the sound energy per unit volume.

[0036] Sound power refers to the sound energy emitted by a sound source per unit of time. Sound intensity refers to the sound power that passes through a surface per unit area. Sound intensity can be further specified on page 9 / 74

[0037] P81103WO can be used to describe a sound field at any point. Furthermore, the sound power of a sound source can be determined using the sound intensity. The sound intensity can be measured, for example, using the two-microphone technique known to those skilled in the art.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the first acoustic sensor can be configured to receive a first acoustic signal, preferably a first acoustic signal emanating from the metal production and / or metalworking plant. The second acoustic sensor can be configured to receive a second acoustic signal, preferably a second acoustic signal emanating from the metal production and / or metalworking plant.

[0039] A sound sensor, in particular the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor, can be configured as an electroacoustic transducer. An electroacoustic transducer is preferably configured to convert an acoustic signal into an audio signal. An audio signal is preferably an electrical signal, which in particular comprises an alternating current and / or an alternating voltage.

[0040] The first sound sensor can be configured to convert a first acoustic signal into a first audio signal. The second sound sensor can be configured to convert a second acoustic signal into a second audio signal.

[0041] An audio signal preferably contains one or more characteristic features of an underlying acoustic signal. A characteristic feature of an acoustic signal is preferably a sound pressure level and / or a sound frequency. The sound pressure level of an acoustic signal can be expressed in an amplitude of the page 10 / 74

[0042] P81103WO Audio signal can be represented. A sound frequency of an acoustic signal can be represented in a frequency of the audio signal.

[0043] A characteristic feature of an acoustic signal can further comprise a sound field quantity and / or a sound energy quantity and / or a sound power and / or a sound intensity of an acoustic signal. According to one embodiment, a characteristic feature of an acoustic signal can be a distribution of sound energy and / or a sound energy density in a previously determined frequency band of an acoustic signal and / or an audio signal. A characteristic feature of an acoustic signal can be another measured and / or calculated quantity for describing the acoustic signal, a sound field, a sound source, and / or a sound event.

[0044] The data processing device is preferably an electronic component. The data processing device is preferably configured to receive, process, and / or transmit electrical signals, in particular audio signals. For this purpose, the data processing device may include a storage unit. A storage unit is preferably configured to store signals, preferably electrical signals, and to make them accessible, at least temporarily, to the data processing device, in particular for processing. A storage unit may comprise a volatile storage unit and / or a non-volatile storage unit. A volatile storage unit may comprise RAM, DRAM, and / or other volatile storage. A non-volatile storage unit may comprise ROM, Flash, and / or other non-volatile storage.

[0045] The data processing equipment may be configured to receive an initial audio signal, in particular one from the first page 11 / 74

[0046] The P81103WO sound sensor receives a first acoustic signal converted into a first audio signal. The data processing device can be configured to receive a second audio signal, in particular a second acoustic signal converted into a second audio signal by the second sound sensor. The first acoustic signal received by the first sound sensor and the second acoustic signal received by the second sound sensor preferably originate from the same sound source and / or the same sound event.

[0047] The data processing device may be configured to receive an optical signal, in particular an electrical signal received from an optical signal and converted into an electrical signal representing the optical signal.

[0048] The data processing device can be configured to locate the origin of the acoustic signals received by the sound sensors. Preferably, the data processing device can be configured to locate the origin of all acoustic signals received by the sound sensors.

[0049] The data processing device is preferably configured to compare the first audio signal and the second audio signal with each other, in particular based on one or more than one characteristic feature of the first acoustic signal underlying the first audio signal and the second acoustic signal underlying the second audio signal, and to determine that the first audio signal and the second audio signal are based on the same sound source and / or the same sound event. This makes it possible to first determine that the acoustic signals received by the sound sensors are based on the same sound source and / or the same sound event before the origin of the acoustic signals is located. This is particularly useful in environments where page 12 / 74

[0050] By receiving a large number of acoustic signals, the P81103WO sound sensors can save unnecessary computing time and thus increase the speed of localizing the origin of the acoustic signals.

[0051] The data processing device can be configured, preferably additionally, to determine, based on the received electrical signal representing the optical signal, that the first audio signal and the second audio signal originate from the same sound source and / or the same sound event. Using the additional information from the optical signal, in particular optical information, preferably image information, audio signals can be assigned to the same sound source and / or the same sound event with increased accuracy.

[0052] The sound pressure level of an acoustic signal can be represented by the amplitude of the audio signal. The sound frequency of an acoustic signal can be represented by the frequency of the audio signal.

[0053] According to one variant, the data processing device can be configured to compare the first audio signal and the second audio signal based on one or more than one amplitude and / or one or more than one frequency of the first audio signal and the second audio signal, and to determine that the first audio signal and the second audio signal originate from the same sound source and / or the same sound event. For this purpose, the data processing device can be configured to compare the temporal evolution of the audio signals, particularly within the same time range of the audio signals, and to determine that the first audio signal and the second audio signal originate from the same sound source and / or the same sound event. The data processing device can be configured for this purpose (page 13 / 74).

[0054] P81103WO is used to compare the amplitudes of audio signals based on their respective largest amplitudes, preferably within the same time range. A time range of a signal's temporal progression is preferably a specific duration starting from a common start time. A common start time can be determined, for example, by a time-synchronized connection between the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor and / or the data processing device.

[0055] According to another embodiment, the data processing device can be configured to compare the first and second audio signals based on their RMS values ​​and to determine that the first and second audio signals originate from the same sound source and / or the same sound event. The RMS value is the root mean square of a signal, preferably within one period of the signal, and preferably within a predetermined RMS time period. The RMS time period is preferably a previously determined time period.

[0056] According to another variant, the data processing device can be configured to compare the first and second audio signals based on their respective integrals and to determine that the first and second audio signals originate from the same sound source and / or the same sound event. For this purpose, the data processing device can be configured to determine an integral of the time course of the first and second audio signals, whereby the integrals are calculated over the same time period, and to compare these integrals.

[0057] According to another variant, the data processing device can be configured to process the first audio signal and page 14 / 74

[0058] P81103WO to compare the second audio signal based on their respective time derivatives and to determine that the first and second audio signals originate from the same sound source and / or the same sound event. For this purpose, the data processing device may be configured to determine a time derivative of the temporal evolution of the first and second audio signals and to compare these time derivatives.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the data processing device can be configured to compare the first and second audio signals based on their respective frequency spectra and to determine that the first and second audio signals originate from the same sound source and / or the same sound event. The data processing device can also be configured to compare the amplitudes of a previously determined sound frequency. This allows for the frequency-specific determination of deviations in sound pressure, sound energy, sound energy density, sound power, and / or sound intensity. A previously determined sound frequency of an acoustic signal can be assigned to a specific component of the metal production and / or metalworking plant.Preferably, a sound frequency can be assigned to a rolling mill, more preferably to a rolling stand and / or a roll of a rolling stand. By comparing the amplitudes of a previously determined sound frequency in the frequency spectrum of the audio signals, it can be determined with increased accuracy that the first audio signal and the second audio signal are based on the same sound source and / or the same sound event.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the data processing device can be configured to distinguish the first audio signal and the second audio signal based on a plurality of amplitudes. Page 15 / 74

[0061] P81103WO compares specific frequencies in the frequency spectra of audio signals and determines that the first and second audio signals are based on the same sound source and / or sound event. The data processing device can be configured to compare an amplitude of a specific frequency of the first audio signal with an amplitude of the same frequency of the second audio signal.

[0062] The data processing device can be wirelessly connected to the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor and / or the optical sensor. According to a preferred embodiment, the data processing device can be connected to the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor and / or the optical sensor by means of a wire, in particular a cable.

[0063] The data processing device can be configured to compare the first audio signal and the second audio signal with a reference signal, preferably based on one or more than one characteristic feature of the acoustic signals underlying the audio signals, and to determine that the first audio signal and / or the second audio signal differs / differ from the reference signal.

[0064] The reference signal is preferably an audio signal, in particular an acoustic reference signal converted into an audio signal by a sound sensor, preferably the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor. This acoustic reference signal can have been received by a sound sensor at a previously determined time, preferably while the system is in a reference state, wherein the reference state is a known operating state. (See page 16 / 74)

[0065] In words, the reference signal represents a known system state. The acoustic reference signal is preferably an acoustic signal as defined in the invention.

[0066] The reference signal and the underlying acoustic reference signal may have been received and / or converted at a previously determined time.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the reference signal can be a synthetic signal. A synthetic signal can be a signal generated by means of a simulation and / or a calculation. The simulation and / or calculation can generate an acoustic signal emanating from a metal production and / or metalworking plant and convert it into an audio signal.

[0068] According to an advantageous embodiment, the reference signal can additionally comprise an optical reference signal, in particular an electrical reference signal representing the optical reference signal. This electrical reference signal can be received by an optical sensor at a predetermined time, preferably while the system is in a reference state, wherein the reference state is a known system state. According to one embodiment, the optical reference signal can be a synthetic signal and can in particular be generated by means of a simulation and / or a calculation, wherein the simulation and / or calculation can generate an optical signal emanating from a metal production and / or metalworking system and convert it into an electrical signal representing the optical signal.

[0069] The data processing device is preferably configured to determine, based on a comparison of the first and / or second audio signal with the reference signal, that the page 17 / 74

[0070] P81103WO The system is in an operating state that deviates from the reference state. Furthermore, the data processing device may additionally be configured to determine, based on a comparison of the optical signal, in particular the electrical signal representing the optical signal, with the reference signal, that the system is in an operating state that deviates from the reference state.

[0071] The data processing device is preferably designed to locate the origin of the acoustic signals received by the sound sensors when the system is in an operating state that differs from the reference state.

[0072] The data processing device can be configured to determine the position of the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor with respect to one or more reference points. The reference point can be a previously defined point on the metal production and / or metalworking plant. According to a further embodiment, the reference point can be a previously defined point in a factory building, preferably in a factory building in which the metal production and / or metalworking plant is located. The reference point can be the origin of a reference coordinate system. The data processing device can be configured to determine the position of the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor with respect to the origin of the reference coordinate system.The data processing unit can be configured to perform any coordinate transformation and determine the position of the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor with respect to this reference coordinate system or any other arbitrary coordinate system. Page 18 / 74.

[0073] P81103WO The system may include a metal production and / or metalworking plant.

[0074] Preferably, the system is configured such that the sound sensors are arranged at a distance from each other. More preferably, the system is configured such that the optical sensor is arranged at a distance from the first sound sensor and / or from the second sound sensor.

[0075] A system designed in this way has the advantage that the acoustic signals, preferably those emanating from the system, can be localized more accurately. In particular, the origin of the acoustic signals can be localized more precisely based on the time difference between the reception of a first acoustic signal at the first sound sensor and the reception of a second acoustic signal at the second sound sensor. Additionally, information from the optical signal can be used to further improve the accuracy of the localization.

[0076] The first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor can be arranged at a distance from each other in at least one spatial direction, preferably in at least two or three spatial directions. The optical sensor can be arranged at a distance from the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor in at least one spatial direction, preferably in at least two or three spatial directions.

[0077] According to a preferred embodiment, the first sound sensor can be arranged less than or equal to 1 m apart from the second sound sensor, preferably less than or equal to 0.5 m, more preferably less than or equal to 0.1 m, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 0.05 m. According to an advantageous embodiment, the optical sensor can be arranged relative to the first sound sensor (page 19 / 74).

[0078] P81103WO and / or the second sound sensor are arranged less than or equal to 1 m apart, preferably less than or equal to 0.5 m, more preferably less than or equal to 0.1 m and more preferably less than or equal to 0.05 m.

[0079] Preferably, the system is designed such that the first and / or the second sound sensor is arranged at a distance from the metal production and / or metalworking plant. A system designed in this way has the advantage that it can be integrated into existing metal production and / or metalworking plants with reduced effort. This reduces the investment costs for such a system.

[0080] The first and / or the second sound sensor can be arranged at a distance from the system in at least one spatial direction, preferably in at least two or three spatial directions. The first and / or the second sound sensor can be arranged above or below the metal production and / or metalworking system. According to a preferred embodiment, the first sound sensor can be arranged above the metal production and / or metalworking system and the second sound sensor can be arranged at a distance transversely to the system.

[0081] A sound sensor arranged at a distance perpendicular to the system is, in particular, arranged transversely to one conveying direction of the system. Specifically, a sound sensor arranged at a distance perpendicular to the system can be arranged transversely to a plane defined by the conveying direction and a straight line running in the direction of the acting gravitational force.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the plant for metal production and / or metal processing can be located in a metal production plant (page 20 / 74).

[0083] The system may be arranged in a metal production and / or metalworking plant, preferably in a workshop. The first acoustic sensor and / or the second acoustic sensor and / or the optical sensor may be arranged on the workshop, in particular on the roof of the workshop, preferably on a side of the roof facing the inside of the workshop, more preferably on a wall of the workshop and / or on a supporting structure of the workshop. This allows the system to be easily integrated into existing metal production and / or metalworking plants. The system may comprise a workshop of a metal production and / or metalworking plant.

[0084] An advantageous embodiment provides that the optical sensor is arranged at a distance from the system in at least one spatial direction, preferably in at least two or three spatial directions. The optical sensor can be arranged above or below the system for metal production and / or metal processing. Advantageously, the optical sensor can be arranged at a distance transversely to the system. An optical sensor arranged at a distance transversely to the system is, in particular, arranged transversely offset from a conveying direction of the system. Specifically, an optical sensor arranged at a distance transversely to the system can be arranged transversely offset from a plane defined by the conveying direction and a straight line extending in the direction of the acting gravitational force.

[0085] The first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor can / can further be arranged relative to the metal production and / or metalworking plant in such a way that the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor is / are configured to receive acoustic signals, wherein the acoustic signals preferably contain direct sound emanating from the plant and / or from a component of the plant, and in particular contain exclusively direct sound. In other words, the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor is / are configured to receive acoustic signals, preferably from the plant and / or a component of the plant.

[0086] P81103WO The second sound sensor is preferably arranged relative to the system such that there is a direct line of sight between a sound source located on the system and the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor. The optical sensor is advantageously arranged relative to the system such that there is a direct line of sight between a sound source located on the system and the optical sensor.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor and / or the optical sensor can be arranged on the system. For example, the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor and / or the optical sensor can be arranged on a section and / or a component of the system and configured to receive an acoustic signal and / or optical signal emanating from the same section and / or the same component and / or another section and / or another component of the system.A system designed in this way has the advantage that the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor and / or the optical sensor receives a reduced amount of interference signals, for example acoustic signals and / or optical signals emanating from other systems, so that the system can receive an acoustic signal emanating from the system with increased accuracy and thus locate the origin of the acoustic signal with increased accuracy.

[0088] The first acoustic sensor and / or the second acoustic sensor and / or the optical sensor can be connected to the metal production and / or metalworking plant, at least indirectly, preferably directly. In particular, the first acoustic sensor and / or the second acoustic sensor and / or the optical sensor can be physically connected to the metal production and / or metalworking plant, either directly or indirectly, for example, by positive locking and / or material locking. Page 22 / 74

[0089] P81103WO and / or force-fit. A system designed in this way has the advantage that the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor receive a further reduced amount of interference signals, so that the system can receive an acoustic signal emanating from the system with even greater accuracy and thus locate the origin of an acoustic signal with greater precision. Interference signals and / or noise are acoustic signals and / or signal components from which no usable information, in particular no usable information about the origin of an acoustic signal, can be derived. In particular, noise, for example the inherent noise of a microphone, is interference.

[0090] Preferably, the system is configured such that the data processing unit is synchronously connected to the sound sensors. Advantageously, the system is configured such that the data processing unit is synchronously connected to both the sound sensors and the optical sensor.

[0091] When acoustic sensors are connected synchronously with the data processing device, the data processing device can determine a common start and end time for the acoustic signals received by the acoustic sensors. This allows for the determination of a time difference between the reception of a first acoustic signal by the first acoustic sensor and the reception of a second acoustic signal by the second acoustic sensor. Furthermore, if the optical sensor is also connected synchronously with the data processing device and the acoustic sensors, an optical signal with a common start and end time can be assigned to the received acoustic signals, thus enabling the determination of the origin of the received acoustic signals with increased accuracy. Page 23 / 74

[0092] P81103WO

[0093] In particular, the first and / or second sound sensor can be arranged relative to each other and / or relative to the metal production and / or metalworking plant such that the time difference between the reception of a first acoustic signal by the first sound sensor and the reception of a second acoustic signal by the second sound sensor is less than or equal to a previously determined maximum time difference value. The maximum time difference value can be less than or equal to 25 µs, preferably less than or equal to 100 ns, and more preferably less than or equal to 50 ns.

[0094] A time-synchronized connection between a plurality of sound sensors and / or between a plurality of sound sensors and the data processing device can be achieved by means of a regular trigger signal, for example, originating from an external reference. Time synchronization can be performed according to the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) as defined in IEEE 1588 and / or IEC 61588. At the time of filing, IEEE 1588 was available in the version published and approved in December 2019. IEC 61588 was available in the version approved in June 2021. Both standards are explicitly referenced here. It is understood that the present invention will also be compatible with future versions of both standards. Alternatively or additionally, time synchronization can be achieved using GPS.

[0095] Preferably, the data processing unit is connected to all sound sensors in a time-synchronized manner. It is particularly advantageous if the data processing unit is also connected to the optical sensor in a time-synchronized manner. Page 24 / 74

[0096] P81103WO Preferably, the system is configured such that the first sound sensor and the second sound sensor are arranged in a positionally variable or fixed manner relative to each other. According to one embodiment, the system is configured such that the optical sensor is arranged in a positionally variable manner relative to the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor. According to another embodiment, the system is configured such that the optical sensor is arranged in a positionally fixed manner relative to the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor.

[0097] Two acoustic sensors arranged in a position that remains fixed relative to each other preferably have a constant, and in particular a constant, relative position over time. In other words, two acoustic sensors arranged in a position that remains fixed relative to each other are fixedly positioned relative to each other. A system designed in this way has the advantage that, due to the constant relative position of the acoustic sensors, the time-of-flight differences between the reception of a first acoustic signal emanating from the system by the first acoustic sensor and the reception of a second acoustic signal emanating from the system by the second acoustic sensor can be determined with increased robustness, in particular with increased repeatability.

[0098] Two sound sensors arranged so that their positions can change relative to each other preferably have a variable, and in particular, time-varying relative position to each other. In other words, two sound sensors arranged so that their positions can change relative to each other are movably mounted relative to each other. Preferably, the sound sensors are movably mounted relative to each other by means of an actuator. The system can include an actuator, wherein the first sound sensor is at least indirectly, and preferably directly, physically connected to a first actuator. The second sound sensor can be connected to the first actuator and / or to page 25 / 74

[0099] P81103WO is physically connected, at least indirectly, preferably directly, to a second actuator. The first actuator and / or the second actuator can be configured to change the position of the first sound sensor relative to the position of the second sound sensor. A system designed in this way has the advantage that the time differences between the reception of a first acoustic signal by the first sound sensor and a second acoustic signal by the second sound sensor can be adjusted. For example, a time difference can be reduced by reducing the distance between the two sound sensors. This makes it possible to localize an acoustic signal in multiple stages. In a first stage, sound sensors located far apart can thus perform a rough localization of the origin of the acoustic signals.Based on the initial rough localization, the acoustic sensors can then be moved towards each other and optionally towards the origin of the acoustic signals. In a second stage, a more precise localization of the source of the acoustic signals can then be performed. This allows a metal production and / or metalworking plant to be monitored with a reduced number of acoustic sensors.

[0100] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second sound sensors can share a common housing. This allows the system to be designed compactly and integrated into existing metal production and / or metalworking plants with even less effort. The system can be made particularly compact if the optical sensor is also located in the common housing.

[0101] The data processing unit can be configured to determine a relative position between the first sound sensor and page 26 / 74

[0102] P81103WO to determine the position of the second sound sensor. In other words, the data processing device can be configured to determine a relative position of the first sound sensor with respect to the second sound sensor and / or a relative position of the second sound sensor with respect to the first sound sensor. Preferably, the data processing device is configured to repeatedly, and in particular continuously, determine a relative position between the first sound sensor and the second sound sensor, preferably continuously over time. This makes it possible to determine and, in particular, to track changes in the relative position between the first and second sound sensors over time, so that a current relative position between the first and second sound sensors is always known.This allows the data processing unit to better locate the origin of an acoustic signal received by the sound sensors. The data processing unit can also be configured to determine the relative position of the optical sensor to the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor.

[0103] Preferably, the system is designed such that the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor is / are arranged in a positionally variable or fixed manner relative to the metal production and / or metalworking system. Advantageously, the optical sensor can also be arranged in a positionally variable or fixed manner relative to the metal production and / or metalworking system.

[0104] A sound sensor arranged in a position that remains constant relative to the metal production and / or metalworking plant preferably has a position that is constant with respect to the plant, and in particular, constant over time. In other words, a sound sensor arranged in a position that remains constant relative to the plant is... Page 27 / 74

[0105] P81103WO is arranged immovably relative to the system. A system designed in this way has the advantage that it can be installed with reduced effort. Furthermore, due to the constant position of the sound sensor relative to the system, it can receive an acoustic signal emanating from the system with increased robustness, in particular with increased repeatability.

[0106] A sound sensor arranged in a positionally variable manner relative to a metal production and / or metalworking plant preferably has a position that is variable with respect to the plant, particularly one that changes over time. In other words, a sound sensor arranged in a positionally variable manner relative to the plant is movably mounted relative to the plant. Preferably, the sound sensor is movably mounted relative to the plant by means of an actuator. The system can include an actuator, wherein the sound sensor is at least indirectly, and preferably directly, physically connected to the actuator. The actuator can be configured to change the position of the sound sensor relative to the plant.A system designed in this way has the advantage that the sound sensor can be moved to a section of the plant, so that, for example, in a multi-stage localization of the origin of the acoustic signals, a favorable position of the sound sensor relative to the plant can be achieved for the finer localization in the second step. This increases the accuracy with which the sound sensor can receive an acoustic signal emanating from the plant and reduces any interference signals, thus improving the accuracy of the localization of the origin of the acoustic signals.

[0107] The data processing device can be configured to determine the position of the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor with respect to the metal production plant and / or page 28 / 74

[0108] P81103WO metalworking. Preferably, the data processing device is configured to repeatedly, and in particular continuously, determine the position of the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor relative to the system. This makes it possible to determine and, in particular, to track changes in the position of the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor relative to the system, so that a current position of the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor relative to the system is always known. This allows the data processing device to better locate the origin of an acoustic signal received by the sound sensors. The data processing device can also be configured to determine the position of the optical sensor relative to the metal production and / or metalworking system.

[0109] An actuator can include a crane, in particular an overhead crane. An actuator can include a manipulator, in particular a robot arm.

[0110] Preferably, the system is designed such that the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor is / are designed as a microphone, preferably as an electrostatic microphone or as a piezoelectric microphone or as a dynamic microphone.

[0111] A system designed in this way has the advantage that, due to the use of a microphone as a standard component, the system can be manufactured and, in particular, operated at reduced costs.

[0112] A microphone is an electroacoustic transducer that converts mechanical vibrations in a gas, especially air, into an audio signal. Page 29 / 74

[0113] The P81103WO converts the signal. A microphone can therefore also be described as a gas transducer, specifically an air transducer. According to a typical microphone design, an elastically mounted diaphragm can follow the pressure fluctuations of the acoustic signal caused by mechanical vibration and, through its movement, replicate the temporal distribution of the alternating pressure. A transducer, mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the diaphragm, can generate an audio signal from the diaphragm's movement.

[0114] The microphone can be designed as a dynamic microphone. Such a sound sensor offers the advantage of increased robustness and reduced susceptibility to background noise, resulting in an overall increase in the robustness of a system using this type of sound sensor.

[0115] The microphone can be designed as an electrostatic microphone. Such a sound sensor has the advantage of increased sensitivity, enabling it to detect even subtle acoustic signals, thus resulting in an overall increase in sensitivity for a system using this type of sound sensor.

[0116] The microphone can be designed as a piezoelectric microphone. Such a sound sensor offers the advantage of increased mechanical robustness and comparatively low manufacturing costs, resulting in a system with such a sound sensor that offers overall increased mechanical robustness and low manufacturing costs.

[0117] According to a preferred embodiment, the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor can be configured as a pickup. A pickup is an electroacoustic device. Page 30 / 74

[0118] The P81103WO is a transducer that converts mechanical vibrations in solids into an audio signal. A pickup can therefore also be described as a structure-borne sound sensor. This allows an acoustic signal emanating from the system, particularly via a pickup physically connected to the system, to be received with significantly increased accuracy and, in particular, with reduced interference.

[0119] According to a preferred embodiment, the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor can be configured as a hydrophone. A hydrophone is an electroacoustic transducer that converts mechanical vibrations in liquids into an audio signal. A hydrophone can therefore also be referred to as a liquid sound sensor, and in particular as an underwater sound sensor.

[0120] Preferably the system is designed such that the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor has an electret.

[0121] A sound sensor designed in this way has the advantage of being even more robust while simultaneously having even lower manufacturing costs, so that a system with such a sound sensor has overall increased robustness with simultaneously lower manufacturing costs.

[0122] The electret is preferably designed as an electret foil. An electret is an electrically insulating material that has quasi-permanently stored electric charge or quasi-permanently aligned electric dipoles and can thus generate a quasi-permanent electric field in its surroundings or within its interior. Page 31 / 74

[0123] P81103WO The data processing device is preferably configured to locate the origin of the acoustic signals based on a time difference between receiving a first acoustic signal by means of the first sound sensor and receiving a second acoustic signal by means of the second sound sensor.

[0124] Because the first sound sensor is positioned differently from the second sound sensor, one or more sound waves emanating from a sound source and / or sound event reach the sound sensors at different times. This is because the sound wave propagates from the sound source and / or sound event at the speed of sound, which is constant for the medium and its conditions, particularly pressure and temperature. The time difference between the arrival times of the sound wave(s) at the sound sensors allows the position of the sound source(s) and / or sound event, and thus the origin of the acoustic signals, to be determined. The following basic formula can be used for this purpose, especially when using a first and a second sound sensor:

[0125] Δt = d / c

[0126] with

[0127] Δt = Time difference of the arrival time of a sound wave at the sound sensors

[0128] d = distance difference between the sound sensors c = speed of sound.

[0129] The data processing device is preferably configured to, based on a phase difference between a first acoustic signal received by means of the first sound sensor and a signal received by means of the second sound sensor, page 32 / 74

[0130] P81103WO second acoustic signal, to locate the origin of the acoustic signals.

[0131] A system designed in this way has the advantage that, particularly with high-frequency sound waves, the origin of the acoustic signals can be determined with increased accuracy. Because the wavelengths of sound waves are shorter at high frequencies, a phase difference between two acoustic signals can be determined with greater precision.

[0132] The data processing device is preferably designed to locate the origin of acoustic signals using beamforming.

[0133] A system designed in this way offers the advantage that the origin of an acoustic signal can be determined with increased accuracy even using sound sensors located very far from the signal's source. This makes it possible to reduce the number of sound sensors required while simultaneously achieving a sufficiently high degree of accuracy in determining the acoustic signal's origin. Furthermore, this design simplifies the system's integration into existing metal production and / or metalworking plants.

[0134] In beamforming, sound sensors, specifically the first and second sound sensors, are focused on different measurement points. To achieve this, acoustic signals captured by a sound sensor are corrected for a time shift, where the time shift corresponds to the sound travel time from a measurement point to the sound sensor. These time-corrected acoustic signals from all sound sensors are summed, resulting in a time signal assigned to each measurement point. This time signal is a signal waveform over time. Page 33 / 74

[0135] P81103WO The sound waves emanating from sound sources located at other positions are dampened because the acoustic signals assigned to these sound waves are no longer completely time-corrected and partially overlap destructively, whereas the sound emitted from the respective measuring point on which one or more than one sound sensor is focused is amplified.

[0136] The data processing device can be configured to locate the origin of multiple acoustic signals using beamforming.

[0137] The data processing device is preferably designed to locate the origin of an acoustic signal by means of triangulation.

[0138] This makes it possible to determine the exact origin of an acoustic signal with only two sound sensors and reduced computational effort by the data processing unit.

[0139] The data processing device can be configured to locate the origin of a plurality of acoustic signals by means of triangulation.

[0140] The system preferably has more than two sound sensors, in particular three or more, or four or more, wherein the data processing device is connected to the sound sensors and wherein the sound sensors are arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0141] A system designed in this way has the advantage that the origin of an acoustic signal can be determined with increased accuracy. Furthermore, an increased number of sound sensors allows for improved accuracy, particularly in beamforming (page 34 / 74).

[0142] The P81103WO allows acoustic signals to be received in an increased frequency range. In beamforming, for example, the lower cutoff frequency, i.e., the lowest frequency of a receivable acoustic signal, is limited by the size of a sound sensor array and thus by the number of available sound sensors.

[0143] Each of the sound sensors can be configured like the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor described above in the first aspect of the invention.

[0144] The data processing unit can be wirelessly connected to the sound sensors. Alternatively or additionally, the data processing unit can be connected to the sound sensors via a wire, preferably a cable.

[0145] Preferably, the system is designed such that the sound sensors are equidistant from each other.

[0146] A system designed in this way has the advantage that the origin of an acoustic signal can be determined with increased accuracy. In particular, when determining the origin of an acoustic signal by triangulation and / or based on the time difference between the reception of a first acoustic signal by the first sound sensor and the reception of a second acoustic signal by the second sound sensor, an equal distance between the sound sensors is advantageous.

[0147] The sound sensors can be arranged spaced apart from each other in one, two, or three spatial directions. According to one variant, the sound sensors can be arranged along a line, preferably equidistant from each other. The line can be straight. Alternatively, see page 35 / 74

[0148] P81103WO the line has one or more curves. According to one variant, the line can comprise a segment of a circular arc, preferably a complete circular arc. The sound sensors can be arranged spaced apart from each other along such a circular arc, preferably equidistant from each other.

[0149] Preferably, the system is designed such that the sound sensors are arranged in a regular pattern relative to each other, in particular in a rectangular pattern, a square pattern, a circular pattern or an annular pattern.

[0150] A system designed in this way has the advantage that the origin of an acoustic signal can be determined with increased accuracy. In particular, when determining the origin of the acoustic signal using beamforming, the arrangement of sound sensors in a regular pattern is advantageous.

[0151] The sound sensors can be arranged in a plane and spaced apart from each other within that plane, particularly in a regular pattern. The sound sensors can be arranged in a cross-shaped pattern or a spiral pattern.

[0152] The sound sensors can, for example, be arranged along a plurality of parallel lines. Preferably, the sound sensors arranged in a line, preferably a straight line, are equidistant from each other. Preferably, the parallel lines are equidistant from each other. In other words, the sound sensors can be arranged in the form of a regularly spaced grid. Page 36 / 74

[0153] P81103WO Preferably, the system is designed such that at least the first sound sensor has a distance to the second sound sensor that differs from a distance between the first sound sensor and a third sound sensor.

[0154] A system designed in this way has the advantage that, despite the use of a large number of acoustic sensors, the occurrence of spurious sound sources is avoided, thus enabling the origin of an acoustic signal to be determined with increased accuracy. Spurious sound sources can occur particularly with a large number of acoustic sensors arranged regularly in relation to one another, which can reduce the accuracy in determining the origin of an actual acoustic signal.

[0155] The sound sensors can be arranged in a quasi-random distribution, especially in a plane, relative to each other.

[0156] Preferably, the system is designed such that the sound sensors are configured to detect acoustic signals with a sound frequency of

[0157]

[0158] to receive 2 GHz, preferably from ≤ 1.6 GHz and particularly preferably from

[0159]

[0160] 20 kHz.

[0161] A system designed in this way has the advantage that acoustic signals of different sound frequencies can be received, so that the origin of a larger bandwidth of acoustic signals can be localized.

[0162] The sound sensors, in particular the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor, can be configured to receive acoustic signals with a sound frequency of ≤ 1.8 GHz, preferably ≤ 1.3 GHz, more preferably

[0163]

[0164] 1 GHz and especially preferred by

[0165]

[0166] 500 MHz. The sound sensors can be configured to detect acoustic signals with a sound frequency of

[0167]

[0168] to receive 250 MHz, preferably from 100 MHz, preferably from page 37 / 74

[0169] P81103WO 1 MHz and particularly preferably 500 kHz. The sound sensors can be configured to detect acoustic signals with a sound frequency of

[0170]

[0171] to receive 250 kHz, preferably from

[0172]

[0173] 100 kHz, preferably from

[0174]

[0175] 50 kHz and especially preferred by

[0176]

[0177] 5 kHz.

[0178] Preferably, the system is designed such that the sound sensors are configured to receive acoustic signals with a sound frequency of ≥ 1 Hz, preferably ≥ 15 Hz and particularly preferably ≥ 10 kHz.

[0179] A system designed in this way has the advantage that acoustic signals of different sound frequencies can be received, so that the origin of a larger bandwidth of acoustic signals can be localized.

[0180] The sound sensors, in particular the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor, can be configured to receive acoustic signals with a sound frequency of ≥ 500 Hz, preferably ≥ 1 kHz, more preferably ≥ 50 kHz, and particularly preferably ≥ 150 kHz. The sound sensors can be configured to receive acoustic signals with a sound frequency of ≥ 300 kHz, preferably ≥ 600 kHz, more preferably ≥ 1 MHz, and particularly preferably ≥ 300 MHz. The sound sensors can be configured to receive acoustic signals with a sound frequency of ≥ 600 MHz, more preferably ≥ 800 MHz, more preferably ≥ 1.1 GHz, and particularly preferably ≥ 1.4 GHz.

[0181] Preferably, the system is configured such that the data processing unit is set up to perform a time-frequency analysis of the acoustic signals received by the sound sensors, preferably before the origin of the acoustic signals is localized. Page 38 / 74

[0182] P81103WO According to a preferred embodiment, the data processing device is configured to perform a time-frequency analysis of the acoustic signals received from the sound sensors before the data processing device determines that the first audio signal and the second audio signal are based on the same sound source and / or the same sound event.

[0183] A time-frequency analysis can include an integral transformation, in particular a Fourier transform, preferably a continuous Fourier transform and / or a discrete Fourier transform.

[0184] Preferably, the system is designed such that the data processing device is configured to filter one or more than one signal component with a sound frequency of ≤ 1 Hz from the acoustic signals received by the sound sensors, preferably before the origin of the acoustic signals is localized.

[0185] A system designed in this way has the advantage that signal components which do not contain any information relevant for localizing the origin of an acoustic signal can be filtered out of the acoustic signals, so that the origin of the acoustic signals can be determined with increased accuracy.

[0186] The data processing device may include a filtering device or be data-connected to one. The filtering device may include a low-pass filter, a high-pass filter, and / or a band-pass filter.

[0187] The data processing device can be configured to extract one or more than one signal component with a sound frequency of ≤ 100 Hz from the signals received by the first sound sensor (page 39 / 74).

[0188] P81103WO and / or the second sound sensor to filter acoustic signals received, preferably with a sound frequency of

[0189]

[0190] 500 Hz, preferably with a sound frequency of

[0191]

[0192] 1 kHz and particularly preferably with a sound frequency of

[0193]

[0194] 10 kHz.

[0195] Preferably, the system is designed such that the data processing device is configured to filter one or more than one signal component with a sound frequency of b 2 GHz from the acoustic signals received by the sound sensors, preferably before the origin of the acoustic signals is localized.

[0196] A system designed in this way has the advantage that signal components which do not contain any information relevant for localizing the origin of an acoustic signal can be filtered out of the acoustic signals, so that the origin of the acoustic signals can be determined with increased accuracy.

[0197] The data processing device can be configured to filter one or more than one signal component with a sound frequency of ≥ 100 kHz from the acoustic signals received from the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor, preferably with a sound frequency of ≥ 500 kHz, preferably with a sound frequency of ≥ 1 MHz and particularly preferably with a sound frequency of ≥ 100 MHz.

[0198] Preferably, the system is designed such that at least one sound sensor, in particular the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor, provides a substitute noise level of

[0199]

[0200] 30 dB, preferably from

[0201]

[0202] 25 dB, preferably from

[0203]

[0204] 15 dB and especially preferred by

[0205]

[0206] 10 dB.

[0207] A system designed in this way has the advantage that a sound sensor can be located at an increased distance from the system (see page 40 / 74).

[0208] The P81103WO can be installed in metal production and / or metalworking plants and simultaneously receive an acoustic signal with low background noise. The lower the equivalent noise level of a sound sensor, the lower the background noise in the acoustic signal received by that sensor. Consequently, the audio signal converted by the data processing unit exhibits lower background noise. This allows the system to be integrated into existing plants with even greater flexibility.

[0209] The first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor can / can provide a substitute noise level of

[0210]

[0211] exhibit 50 dB, preferably from

[0212]

[0213] 12 dB, preferably ≤ 8 dB and particularly preferably ≤

[0214]

[0215] 5 dB.

[0216] The equivalent noise level of a sound sensor, especially a microphone, is a measure of the sensor's inherent noise. The lower the equivalent noise level, the lower the inherent noise. For example, an equivalent noise level of 15 dB means that the inherent noise of the sound sensor, especially the microphone, is as loud as a sound with a sound pressure level of 15 dB.

[0217] The equivalent noise level can generally be determined using two different measurement methods. A so-called A-weighting according to the DIN IEC 651 standard typically results in equivalent noise level values ​​that are approximately 10 dB lower than those obtained using a more critical measurement method according to the ITU-R 468-3 standard (ITU-R stands for International Telecommunication Union - Radiocommunication Sector). The values ​​given above primarily refer to the equivalent noise level measurement method according to the ITU-R 468-3 standard. Alternatively, the aforementioned values ​​for the equivalent noise level can also be found on page 41 / 74.

[0218] P81103WO refers to the measurement procedure according to DIN IEC 651. This explicitly refers to the two aforementioned standards DIN IEC 651 and ITU-R 468-3.

[0219] Preferably, the system is configured such that the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor is / are configured to generate an acoustic localization signal, wherein a reflection of the acoustic localization signal generated by the first sound sensor and / or the second sound sensor at the metal production and / or metalworking plant is an acoustic signal received by the sound sensors.

[0220] A system designed in this way has the advantage that the acoustic localization signal, particularly its amplitude and frequency, is known. Consequently, the reflection of the acoustic localization signal is also known. This allows the origin of an acoustic signal received by the first and / or second sound sensor to be located with increased accuracy. Such a system can also be referred to as an active system or a localization system.

[0221] The first and / or the second sound sensor may therefore also include a sound source and / or be configured as such. Furthermore, the first and / or the second sound sensor may be configured to convert an electrical signal, preferably an audio signal, into an acoustic signal. The first and / or the second sound sensor may include a loudspeaker and / or be configured as such.

[0222] The acoustic localization signal is preferably an acoustic signal. It comprises, in particular, one or more sound waves. Page 42 / 74

[0223] P81103WO

[0224] The first and / or second sound sensor can be configured to generate an acoustic localization signal more than once, in particular regularly, preferably with a previously determined localization frequency. With such a system, a time-varying origin of an acoustic signal can also be determined.

[0225] According to a preferred embodiment, the system can be configured such that the first sound sensor is configured to generate a first acoustic localization signal. The second sound sensor can be configured to generate a second acoustic localization signal. A first acoustic signal received by the first sound sensor can include a reflection of the first acoustic localization signal at the system and / or a reflection of the second acoustic localization signal at the system. A second acoustic signal received by the second sound sensor can include a reflection of the first acoustic localization signal at the system and / or a reflection of the second acoustic localization signal at the system.

[0226] Preferably, the system is configured such that it includes a control unit which is data-connected to the data processing unit, wherein the data processing unit is configured to transmit a signal, preferably an electrical signal, to the control unit; wherein the signal includes information about at least one received acoustic signal, preferably position information about the origin of at least one acoustic signal; and wherein the control unit is configured to influence the operation of the metal production and / or metalworking plant, at least indirectly, based on the signal transmitted by the data processing unit. Page 43 / 74

[0227] P81103WO

[0228] The control unit is preferably an electronic component. The control unit is preferably configured to receive, process, and / or transmit signals, preferably electrical signals. For this purpose, the control unit may include a storage unit. The control unit may preferably be wirelessly connected to the data processing unit. The control unit may also be connected to the data processing unit by means of a wire, preferably a cable. The control unit may be connected to the metal production and / or metalworking plant, preferably wirelessly, or alternatively or additionally by means of a wire, preferably a cable.

[0229] According to a preferred embodiment, the signal, preferably the electrical signal, can include information about the received acoustic signals, preferably one or more positional information about the origin of the acoustic signals.

[0230] The control unit can be configured to send a control signal to the metal production and / or metalworking plant. Preferably, the control unit is configured to directly or indirectly change at least one operating parameter of the metal production and / or metalworking plant by means of a control signal sent to the plant.

[0231] An operating parameter of a metal production and / or metal processing plant can be a power supply, preferably an electrical power supply. Furthermore, an operating parameter can be, for example, a rolling speed of a rolling mill. An operating parameter can also be the contact pressure of a roll in a rolling mill. (Page 44 / 74)

[0232] P81103WO An operating parameter can, for example, include the conveying speed of a metallic workpiece in the metal production and / or metalworking plant. An operating parameter can be a pressure, in particular a pressure in a subsystem of the metal production and / or metalworking plant. Preferably, an operating parameter can be a pressure in a hydraulic system of the plant. According to one embodiment, an operating parameter can also be the activation, switching, and / or deactivation of a subsystem of the plant. A subsystem of the plant can include a hydraulic system, a lubrication system, a cooling system, an emulsion system, and / or a compressed air system. A hydraulic system is configured to hydraulically manipulate an actuator. For example, such an actuator can include a hydraulic cylinder.A hydraulic cylinder can, for example, be configured to build up, maintain and / or reduce a pressure and / or a position, in particular a contact pressure and / or a stroke of a roller, preferably a work roller, on a metallic workpiece located in the system.

[0233] A lubrication system is designed to supply moving mechanical components of the system with lubricant. For example, a lubrication system can be designed to supply a gearbox of the system with lubricant.

[0234] A cooling system of the plant is designed to supply the plant with cooling power, in particular one or more than one drive motor of a plant, for example a drive motor of a conveying device and / or a roller, preferably a work roller.

[0235] The plant's emulsion system is designed to provide emulsion for a processing operation that can be performed using the plant. For example, an emulsion system is shown on page 45 / 74.

[0236] P81103WO is designed to apply rolling emulsion to a metallic workpiece and / or a work roll conveyed by the system and thus to provide it for a rolling process to be carried out with the system.

[0237] The activation of a subsystem can preferably be achieved by activating a previously inactive subsystem or component of the system. For example, a previously inactive emulsion system can become active after activation. Similarly, a previously inactive pump of an emulsion system can become active after activation. An active emulsion system provides emulsion for a machining process. In other words, an active emulsion system, for example, provides rolling emulsion to a metal workpiece or a work roll.

[0238] Switching off a subsystem can preferably be achieved by ensuring that a previously active subsystem or component of the plant is no longer active after shutdown. Finally, switching a subsystem can preferably be achieved by switching an active subsystem in its operation. For example, an emulsion system can be switched with respect to the quantity of emulsion it provides, thus increasing or decreasing the quantity supplied.

[0239] An operating parameter of a metal production and / or metalworking plant can be the positioning of a mechanical plant component, which is variable in terms of its location and setting. For example, a guide table or a roller can be changed in position according to the control signal. For instance, the position of a guide table can be adjusted to change the vertical or lateral guidance of a metallic workpiece. Page 46 / 74

[0240] P81103WO For example, the position of a metallic workpiece in the system can be monitored spatially and / or temporally, and the positions of system components can be adjusted according to the control unit.

[0241] According to a preferred embodiment, an operating parameter of a metal production and / or metalworking plant may include a specific parameter relating to one or more than one device selected from the following list:

[0242] A roller, a shaft, a coupling, a bearing, a roller, a motor shaft, an oil rotary feed, a joint block, a spray bar, a mechanical adjusting unit, a blow-off device, a traversing and / or adjusting valve, a pressure vessel, a storage container, in particular an oil tank, an emulsion tank and / or a pickling tank, a hydraulic adjusting unit, a pneumatic adjusting unit, a mechanical gate, in particular so-called looper gates, a drawing straightening machine, a straightening machine, a gearbox, in particular a main drive, a comb rolling gearbox, an adjusting gearbox, a switching gearbox, preferably a switching gearbox of a reel, a converter gearbox, a flange gearbox, a slab upsetting press, a tool slide, a pendulum lifting device, a roller guide, a side guide, a roller side guide, a bending and sliding system, a spindle bearing,a spindle lubrication device, in particular a rotary oil distributor, a descaling device, a nozzle, a hose, a spray bar, a water return, a sintering trough, a stand foot roller device, a wedge displacement, a sliding strip, a displacement device, an inlet / outlet product, a water tank, an oscillation device, a shrinkage damping device, a spring, a geared motor, a skid, rail, and / or rail roller, a burner device, a laminar cleaning device - page 47 / 74

[0243] P81103WO tung, a flap valve, a guide table, a threading device, a spreading device, a spreading device, a spraying device, a punching device of a chain drive, a shearing and cutting device, a drying device, a dusting device, a pickling tank product, a heater, a cleaning and / or rinsing device, a coiling device, in particular a reel coil, a welding device, a cutting device, an anti-coil-break device, a strip guiding device, a start-up and run-in product, a rotary and lifting device, in particular a lifting beam, a traversing device, in particular a bundle carriage, a binding device, bundle opening devices, a crane and lifting device, a transverse transport device, preferably an automatic, manual and / or semi-automatic transverse transport device, a hydrostatic device,a shifting device, in particular a roll changing platform, a roll changing carriage, a locking device, a clamping device, in particular a spindle head holder, a threading device, a crimping device, a positioning device, in particular a coil tail end positioning device, a strip tensioning device, in particular a looper, a rocker arm pinch roll, a strip tension measuring roller, a cross-cutting shear, a pendulum shear, a drum shear, an endless shear, a longitudinal cutting shear, a sample shear, a trimming shear, a trimming shear, a punching device, a cutter head device, a knife changing device, a knife changing carriage, a scrap bucket device, a scrap chute, a scrap chute device, a hold-down device, a spreading and unspreading cylinder, a filter device, in particular an emulsion filter, a hydraulic filter and / or a plate filter,a paper feed device, a paper unwinding and / or rewinding device, a hydraulic unit, a pump station, a page 48 / 74,

[0244] P81103WO Heating station, a compressed air station, a high-pressure pump station, a lubricant station, in particular for oils and / or greases, a water treatment station, a scale preparation station, a water cooling device, a lubricant cooling device, a conveyor belt device, a drum drying station, a distribution device, in particular a distribution gearbox for a blast furnace, a belt guiding station and / or a tool grinding device, in particular for roller and / or roll grinding.

[0245] The operation of a plant can comprise one or more than one operating state. An operating state is preferably defined by a plurality of operating parameters. In a plant for metal production and / or metal processing, such an operating state can comprise production operation, maintenance operation, standby operation, and / or fault operation. Production operation, for example, can be an operating state in which the plant produces and / or processes a metallic workpiece according to its specific purpose. Maintenance operation can be an operating state in which scheduled and / or unscheduled maintenance and / or repair work is carried out on the plant. Production operation and maintenance operation do not typically occur simultaneously. Standby operation can be an operating state in which the plant is neither in production nor in maintenance operation.A metal production and / or metal processing plant can be switched directly from standby mode to production mode and / or maintenance mode. A fault mode can be an operating state in which the plant is not in one of the aforementioned regular operating states. The plant can be switched to fault mode manually by a plant operator. Alternatively or additionally, the plant can be switched to fault mode automatically, for example, by the control unit intervening in the plant's operation. (See page 49 / 74 for a plant description.)

[0246] P81103WO, comprising a rolling unit, allows the system to pressure-form a metallic workpiece during production, preferably by rolling, thereby achieving a specific thickness of the metallic workpiece. Furthermore, during production, a metallic workpiece can be threaded into a rolling unit. During maintenance, a roll in the rolling stand of the rolling unit can be replaced. Immediately after maintenance and before production, such a system can be in standby mode. In other words, during standby, no maintenance work is performed, nor is a metallic workpiece produced and / or processed, particularly rolled. During a malfunction, at least one operating parameter may lie outside a permissible range for that parameter.For example, a pressure sensor in the system might measure an impermissibly high pressure within a hydraulic system, causing the system's operating parameter associated with that pressure to fall outside the permissible range. The system may then report a fault and be able to enter fault mode and / or actually enter fault mode. From fault mode, the system can only be returned to production, maintenance, or standby mode after the reported fault has been resolved.

[0247] During operation of the metal production and / or metal processing plant, a plant event may occur. A plant event can preferably occur independently of the plant's operating state.

[0248] A plant event is preferably assigned a reference signal specific to that plant event and characterizing it, wherein the plant event is associated with page 50 / 74

[0249] P81103WO classified the reference signal as potentially including an acoustic signal converted into an audio signal and / or an optical signal converted into an electrical signal.

[0250] According to one embodiment, a plant event can include the threading process of a metallic workpiece into a rolling stand of the plant. During the threading process of a metallic workpiece into a rolling stand, a characteristic noise is expected as soon as the head of the workpiece comes into direct physical contact with the work rolls of the rolling stand. If such a noise is not detected by a sound sensor, or if the noise differs from the expected noise, then a deviation from a reference state of the plant can be determined. Depending on the degree of deviation, the system can be configured to influence the operation of the plant indirectly or directly via the control device, preferably by initiating an emergency stop of the plant.This can prevent, in particular, the metallic workpiece from incorrectly or not threading onto the rolling stand, and thus from accumulating in front of the rolling stand and ultimately leading to rejects and potential damage to the plant.

[0251] Monitoring a system event enables a tracking function. The presence, absence, or termination of an expected acoustic signal can indicate the position of a metallic workpiece and be transmitted as information.

[0252] According to one embodiment, a system event can include belt break detection and localization of the origin of a belt break in a metallic workpiece conveyed by the system. This makes it possible to provide an emergency stop of the system to avoid excessive scrap. (See also page 51 / 74)

[0253] P81103WO can also have one or more operating parameters of the system changed, preferably by means of the control unit.

[0254] Furthermore, a system event can include the detection of a subsystem being switched on and / or off. The switching on and / or off of a subsystem is preferably accompanied by a characteristic acoustic signal and / or a characteristic optical signal. For example, the switching on and / or off of a subsystem can include the switching on and / or off of a compressed air system and / or an emulsion system, in particular an emulsion dispensing system and / or an extraction system and / or a conveying device.

[0255] Finally, a plant event can be the detection of an unexpected noise and / or an unexpected visual event. In other words, a plant event can involve the detection of an unexpected acoustic and / or visual signal. Such an unexpected acoustic and / or visual signal could, for example, be caused by existing and / or impending wear of a roll in a rolling mill. Furthermore, such an unexpected acoustic and / or visual signal could be caused by bearing damage in a drive motor, such as the drive motor of a work roll.

[0256] Preferably, the system is designed such that the control device is configured to indirectly influence the operation of the system by issuing a warning signal, wherein the warning signal may include an optical signal and / or an acoustic signal and / or a haptic signal.

[0257] Such a system has the advantage that a further check can be carried out before the control device intervenes in the operation of the plant. This prevents [page 52 / 74]

[0258] P81103WO prevents necessary plant downtime and thus unnecessary production losses.

[0259] Preferably, the system is designed such that the system has a notification device connected to the control unit, preferably an operator interface, wherein the control unit is configured to output the notification signal by means of the notification device.

[0260] A system designed in this way has the advantage that a recheck of the system's condition can be carried out regardless of the operator's proximity to the system.

[0261] The warning device can be part of the control unit. In other words, the control unit can include the warning device. The warning device can be wirelessly connected to the control unit.

[0262] The warning device can have one or more warning devices. A warning device can be, for example, a loudspeaker, such as a siren. A warning device can also be a screen, such as an operator display.

[0263] Finally, the notification device may include an end device, for example a mobile device, preferably a mobile phone, a smartphone and / or a tablet.

[0264] The control unit is preferably wirelessly connected to the indicator unit. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is connected to the indicator unit via a wire, preferably a cable.

[0265] The visual signal can be, for example, a visual indicator on a screen, preferably an operator screen. Page 53 / 74

[0266] P81103WO According to a further embodiment, the optical signal can be a light signal, for example, a light signal emitted by means of a lighting device. The acoustic signal can be, for example, a signal tone, in particular a signal tone emitted by means of a loudspeaker or a siren. The haptic signal can be a vibration, in particular a vibration of a mobile device.

[0267] Preferably, the system is designed such that the control device is configured to directly influence the operation of the metal production and / or metal processing plant based on the signal transmitted by the data processing device, preferably by changing at least one operating parameter of the metal production and / or metal processing plant.

[0268] For example, the operation of a plant can be influenced by changing the electrical power supply, preferably by interrupting the electrical power supply.

[0269] The control device can be configured to directly influence the operation of the plant by changing a number of operating parameters of the metal production and / or metal processing plant, based on the origin of the acoustic signal located by the data processing device.

[0270] According to an advantageous embodiment, the system is configured such that the system has an optical sensor connected to the data processing unit, which is configured to receive an optical signal, preferably an optical signal emanating from the metal production and / or metalworking plant; wherein the data processing unit is configured to additionally determine the origin of the acoustic signal received from the sound sensors (see page 54 / 74).

[0271] P81103WO uses the received optical signal to localize the source. With such a system, the accuracy of localizing the origin of the acoustic signal received by the sound sensors can be further increased. With such a system, the origin of the acoustic signal received by the sound sensors can be localized based on information obtained using at least two different sensor types. Because the sensor types operate independently and thus provide independent sources of information, the localization of the origin of the received acoustic signal can be made more robust against measurement errors.

[0272] An optical sensor can comprise an infrared sensor, a UV sensor, a laser sensor, an LED-based sensor, and / or a hyperspectral sensor. Furthermore, an optical sensor can be designed according to any measurement principle. In particular, an optical sensor can comprise a reflection sensor, a transmitted light sensor, a slotted optical sensor, a triangulation sensor, a phase comparison sensor, an interferometric sensor, and / or an imaging sensor.

[0273] The optical sensor can be particularly advantageous in comprising an imaging sensor, especially a camera. In particular, if the data processing device is configured to locate the origin of the acoustic signal received by the sound sensors using a machine learning method, an optical sensor comprising an imaging sensor is advantageous because the available information density in an image and / or video of a plant and / or a section of a plant provided by an imaging sensor is significantly increased compared to other optical sensors, thus enabling the localization of the origin of the sound signal received by the acoustic sensors. (Page 55 / 74)

[0274] The P81103WO sound sensors can be used to analyze the received acoustic signal with even greater accuracy using a machine learning method.

[0275] An optical signal is the time-dependent, preferably temporal, progression of a signal that can be detected by an optical sensor. Depending on the type of optical sensor, the optical signal can have different characteristics. In the case of an imaging optical sensor, particularly a camera, the optical signal can be the time-dependent progression of the light intensities incident on a sensor of the camera, especially a CMOS sensor and / or a CCD sensor. In the case of a reflection sensor, for example, a reflection sensor operating with laser radiation, the optical signal can be the time-dependent progression of a reflection of a measurement signal previously emitted by the optical sensor, detectable by the optical sensor, whereby, for example, a time-dependent progression of the transit-time differences is determined.

[0276] An optical sensor is preferably configured to convert an optical signal into an electrical signal representing the optical signal, which in particular comprises an alternating current and / or an alternating voltage. The electrical signal representing the optical signal preferably contains one or more characteristic features of the optical signal. A characteristic feature of an optical signal is preferably an optical power and / or an intensity and / or a wavelength and / or a frequency and / or a spectral bandwidth and / or an amplitude.

[0277] Preferably, the system is configured such that the data processing unit is set up to locate the origin of the acoustic signal received by the sound sensors using a machine learning method. Page 56 / 74

[0278] P81103WO Such a system has the advantage that the origin of an acoustic signal can be located with increasing accuracy as the system continues to operate.

[0279] The machine learning method can include linear regression and / or logistic regression and / or a k-means algorithm and / or a support vector machine and / or a decision tree-based method, such as a random forest and / or a neural network.

[0280] Preferably, the system is designed such that the data processing device is configured to locate the origin of the acoustic signal received by the sound sensors using an AI / ML model.

[0281] An AI / ML model is preferably a computer-based system designed, based on algorithmic procedures, to transform input data into output data, relying on patterns, relationships, and / or decision structures learned previously through training and / or rules. Such models can utilize machine learning, deep learning, symbolic AI, and / or hybrid methods to perform tasks such as classification, regression, prediction, decision-making, natural language processing, and / or image recognition.A typical AI / ML model usually consists of a defined architecture, for example, neural networks with specific layers and activation functions; weighting parameters, which are usually adjusted during a training process; a training mechanism, for example, an optimization method such as gradient boosting; and an execution environment, usually hardware and / or software, that the model uses when applied to new data. Typically, an AI / ML model is trained on a dataset, iteratively adjusting its internal parameters to achieve a specific result. (Page 57 / 74)

[0282] The P81103WO model is used to optimize a target function or performance measure. After training, the model can analyze new, unknown input data and make a prediction and / or decision based on the learned relationship. The quality of the model's performance depends, among other things, on the data basis, the model architecture, the training method, and the application configuration.

[0283] The system can be expediently trained and improved autonomously over an ongoing operating period if the AI / ML model is trained with training data. This training data includes a first data set, a second data set, and / or a third data set, and the system state determined based on these data sets. With such a trained system, the localization accuracy of the acoustic signal's origin can be continuously improved based on signals stored in the data sets.

[0284] The reference signal and the underlying acoustic reference signal may have been received and / or converted at a predetermined time and stored in the first data set. According to one embodiment, the reference signal may comprise an audio signal and / or an electrical reference signal representing an optical reference signal. This electrical reference signal representing the optical reference signal may have been received by an optical sensor at a predetermined time, preferably while the system is in a reference state, wherein the reference state is a known system state. According to one embodiment, the optical reference signal may be a synthetic signal and may, in particular, be generated by means of a simulation and / or a calculation, wherein the simulation and / or calculation is a [page 58 / 74]

[0285] P81103WO Plant for metal production and / or metal processing can generate an outgoing optical signal and convert it into an electrical signal representing the optical signal.

[0286] The data processing device can be configured to store an audio signal, in particular the first audio signal and / or the second audio signal, in a second data record. Furthermore, the data processing device can be configured to store a signal received from an optical sensor and converted into an electrical signal representing the optical signal in a third data record.

[0287] According to a second aspect of the invention, the problem underlying the invention is solved by using a system according to the first aspect of the invention to locate the origin of at least one acoustic signal.

[0288] Features of the first aspect of the invention can also be combined with the second aspect of the invention, both individually and cumulatively. Accordingly, advantages achieved for the first aspect of the invention also apply to the second aspect of the invention.

[0289] According to a third aspect of the invention, the problem underlying the invention is solved by a method for localizing the origin of at least one acoustic signal, using a system comprising a first sound sensor and a second sound sensor, preferably using a system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0290] Receiving at least one acoustic signal emanating from a metal production and / or metalworking plant; and

[0291] Locating the origin of the acoustic signal. Page 59 / 74

[0292] P81103WO Features of the first aspect of the invention can also be combined with the third aspect of the invention, either individually or cumulatively. Advantages realized for the first aspect of the invention accordingly also apply to the third aspect of the invention. Features of the second aspect of the invention can also be combined with the third aspect of the invention, either individually or cumulatively. Advantages realized for the second aspect of the invention accordingly also apply to the third aspect of the invention.

[0293] As a non-limiting example, the invention will be explained in more detail using a first application example. A plant for metal production and / or metal processing can have at least one rolling device and one or more than one cutting device. The cutting device is preferably configured to cut a metallic workpiece, preferably a metallic workpiece conveyed in the conveying direction, to a predetermined dimension along its width. This produces metal strips. The plant further comprises at least one, preferably more than one, edge-cutting device, wherein the edge-cutting device is configured to cut the resulting metal strips into smaller pieces. The plant further comprises one or more than one edge-cutting channel, wherein the edge-cutting channel is configured to transport away the metal strips cut into smaller pieces by the edge-cutting device.The seam channel can have one or more conveying devices for transporting the cut metal strips, for example a conveyor belt.

[0294] Both the cutting of the metallic workpiece to a predetermined size, the cutting of the metal strips into smaller pieces, and the removal of the smaller pieces each generate one or more than one [page 60 / 74] during operation, in particular during production operation of the plant.

[0295] P81103WO characteristic acoustic signal, in particular an acoustic signal pattern. In other words, the characteristic acoustic signals and / or signal patterns comprise a plurality of previously known characteristic features that can be attributed to a regular production operation. Consequently, the characteristic acoustic signals and / or signal patterns may be embedded in one or more reference signals.

[0296] During operation of the plant, particularly during production, the sealing channel and the conveying mechanism of the sealing channel can become clogged. These malfunctions lead to operational interruptions and are consequently associated with production interruptions. Furthermore, both these malfunctions and even precursors to an impending malfunction are reflected in deviations from the known characteristic acoustic signals and / or signal patterns, so that the sound waves generated by the plant in the aforementioned malfunctions can be detected by the sound sensors as acoustic signals that deviate from the known characteristic acoustic signals.

[0297] Preferably, the first acoustic sensor is configured to receive a first acoustic signal, wherein the first acoustic signal comprises an acoustic signal emanating from the cutting device. The second acoustic sensor can be configured to receive a second acoustic signal, wherein the second acoustic signal also comprises an acoustic signal emanating from the cutting device.

[0298] The data processing device is preferably configured to compare the first audio signal and the second audio signal with each other based on one or more than one characteristic feature of the first audio signal underlying the first audio signal. Page 61 / 74

[0299] P81103WO to compare the first audio signal and the second audio signal underlying the second audio signal, and to determine that the first audio signal and the second audio signal are based on the same sound source and / or the same sound event. Furthermore, the data processing device may be configured to compare the first audio signal and / or the second audio signal with the previously known reference signal and to determine that a deviation from normal operation exists.

[0300] The first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal can each further comprise an acoustic signal emanating from the hem cutting device. Finally, the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal can each comprise an acoustic signal emanating from the conveying device, in particular from the conveyor belt.

[0301] The first and / or second sound sensor can be arranged near one or more cutting devices, preferably with a direct line of sight to the one or more cutting devices. Furthermore, the first and / or second sound sensor is / are arranged near one or more hem cutting devices, preferably with a direct line of sight to the one or more hem cutting devices. Finally, the first and / or second sound sensor can be arranged near the hem channel, preferably with a direct line of sight to the hem channel, in particular to a section of the hem channel.

[0302] The data processing device is preferably configured to compare the first audio signal and the second audio signal with each other based on one or more than one characteristic feature of the first acoustic signal underlying the first audio signal and the second audio signal underlying page 62 / 74

[0303] P81103WO to compare the second acoustic signal, wherein the underlying acoustic signals may each comprise the acoustic signal emanating from the hem cutting device and / or the acoustic signal emanating from the hem cutting device and / or the acoustic signal emanating from the conveying device, in particular from the conveyor belt, and to determine that the first audio signal and the second audio signal are based on the same sound sources and / or the same sound events. Finally, the data processing device may be configured to locate the origins of the acoustic signals, in particular the first acoustic signal and / or the second acoustic signal.

[0304] Such a system offers the advantage that blockages in the conveyor channel or malfunctions in a conveying system can be prevented through early intervention, such as maintenance, thus avoiding a breakdown and subsequent production downtime. Furthermore, a plant operator can be guided precisely to the source of a detected acoustic signal.

[0305] As a non-limiting example, the invention will be explained in more detail using a second application example. A plant for metal production and / or metal processing can have at least one rolling mill with at least one rolling stand, wherein the rolling stand has one, preferably more than one, roll, in particular a work roll. During the operation of a rolling mill, the work rolls are subject to wear, in particular mechanical and / or thermally induced wear of the roll surface, which can impair the product quality of the products to be manufactured as wear increases. Wear, in particular increasing wear of the roll surface, can be determined by so-called pitch noises. These noises arise when... Page 63 / 74

[0306] P81103WO, for example, by the rollers rotating faster or slower on a metallic workpiece, i.e., a relative movement takes place at the contact point between the roller surface and the surface of the metallic workpiece. Such pitch noises, and in particular an increase in such pitch noises, can therefore indicate increasing wear.

[0307] The system preferably comprises a first sound sensor and / or a second sound sensor, wherein at least one of the two sound sensors, preferably both sound sensors, is arranged with a direct line of sight to the rollers of the rolling stand of the rolling mill.

[0308] The rolling of metallic workpieces during production operation of the plant generates one or more characteristic acoustic signals, in particular an acoustic signal pattern. In other words, the characteristic acoustic signals and / or signal patterns comprise a plurality of previously known characteristic features that can be attributed to regular rolling during production operation. Consequently, the characteristic acoustic signals and / or signal patterns can be stored in one or more reference signals. The pitch noises and / or changes in pitch noises that may occur during plant operation can be received as a first acoustic signal by the first sound sensor and / or as a second acoustic signal by the second sound sensor.This means that the acoustic signals received by the sound sensors deviate from the reference signal.

[0309] The data processing unit is preferably configured to determine the origin of the acoustic signals received by the sound sensors. Furthermore, the data processing unit is... (page 64 / 74)

[0310] P81103WO is a device configured to transmit a signal to the control unit, wherein the signal includes position information about the origin of both received acoustic signals, and wherein the control unit is configured to influence the operation of the metal production and / or metalworking plant, at least indirectly, based on the signal transmitted by the data processing unit. For this purpose, the control unit is configured to influence the operation of the plant indirectly, in particular by issuing a warning signal via a warning device, especially a visual warning signal on a warning device designed as an operator screen.

[0311] It should be explicitly mentioned that features of the first and second application examples can each be combined with another application example, and / or with each other, both individually and cumulatively.

[0312] Further advantages, details and features of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below.

[0313] Specifically, they show:

[0314] Figure 1: a schematic view of a system according to a first embodiment; and

[0315] Figure 2: a schematic view of a system according to a second embodiment.

[0316] In the following description, the same reference symbols denote the same components or the same features, so that a description given for one component in relation to one figure also applies to the other figures, thus avoiding repetitive descriptions. Furthermore, see pages 65 / 74.

[0317] P81103WO Features described in connection with one embodiment may also be used separately in other embodiments.

[0318] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system 1 for localizing the origin of an acoustic signal in a metal production and / or metalworking plant 100 according to a first embodiment, wherein the system 1 comprises a first and a second sound sensor 10, 11, wherein the sound sensors 10, 11 are each configured to receive an acoustic signal, preferably an acoustic signal emanating from the plant 100, and a data processing device 20 connected to the sound sensors 10, 11, which is configured to localize the origin of the acoustic signals received by the sound sensors 10, 11.

[0319] Plant 100 comprises a continuous casting unit 110 for producing a metallic workpiece 2. Furthermore, plant 100 comprises a rolling mill 120 following the continuous casting unit 110 in a conveying direction RI, wherein the rolling mill 120 has a first rolling stand 121 and a second rolling stand 122 following it in the conveying direction RI. Finally, plant 100 comprises a winding unit 150.

[0320] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a system 1 for localizing the origin of an acoustic signal in a system 100 according to a second embodiment, comprising a control unit 30 which is data-connected to the data processing unit 20, wherein the data processing unit 20 is configured to transmit an electrical signal to the control unit 30, wherein the electrical signal includes position information about the origin of at least one acoustic signal, and wherein the control unit 30 is configured, based on page 66 / 74

[0321] P81103WO to at least indirectly influence the operation of plant 100 for metal production and / or metal processing by transmitting an electrical signal from data processing unit 20.

[0322] The first sound sensor 10 and the second sound sensor 11 are configured to receive an acoustic signal emanating from a roll of the first rolling stand 121 of the rolling mill 120. The first sound sensor 10 and the second sound sensor 11 are further configured to receive an acoustic signal emanating from a roll of the second rolling stand 122 of the rolling mill 120. Finally, the first sound sensor 10 and the second sound sensor 11 are configured to receive an acoustic signal emanating from a cutting device 130 and / or a hem cutting device 140 of the system 100. The cutting device 130 of the system 100 is arranged downstream of the rolling mill 120 in the conveying direction RI, and the hem cutting device 140 is arranged downstream of the cutting device 130 in the conveying direction RI.

[0323] The data processing unit 20 is data-connected to the first and second sound sensors 10, 11 and is configured to locate the origin of the acoustic signals received by the sound sensors 10, 11. System 1 also includes a warning device 40 which is data-connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30, which is data-connected to the data processing unit 20, is configured to indirectly influence the operation of the system 100 by outputting a warning signal via the warning device 40, based on the electrical signal transmitted by the data processing unit 20. Page 67 / 74

[0324] P81103WO Reference List

[0325] 1 system

[0326] 2. Metallic workpiece

[0327] 10 First sound sensor

[0328] 11 Second sound sensor

[0329] 20 Data processing equipment

[0330] 30 Control unit

[0331] 40 Information device

[0332] 100 Plant for metal production and / or metal processing 110 Continuous casting plant

[0333] 120 rolling mill

[0334] 121 First rolling mill

[0335] 122 Second rolling mill

[0336] 130 cutting device

[0337] 140 Hem cutting device

[0338] 150 winding device

[0339] RI Conveyor Direction

Claims

Page 68 / 74 Applicant: SMS group GmbH Our reference number: P81103WO Patent claims 1. System (1) for localizing the origin of an acoustic signal in a plant (100) for metal production and / or metalworking, wherein the system (1) has the following features: a first and a second sound sensor ( 10, 11 ), wherein the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ) are each configured to receive an acoustic signal, preferably an acoustic signal emanating from the system ( 100 ); and a data processing device ( 20) connected to the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ) and configured to locate the origin of an acoustic signal received from the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ).

2. System ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ) are arranged spaced apart from each other.

3. System ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the data processing device ( 20 ) is time-synchronously connected to the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ).

4. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sound sensor ( 10 ) and the second sound sensor ( 11 ) are arranged in a positionally variable or positionally unchanging manner relative to each other.

5. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sound sensor ( 10 ) and / or the second sound sensor ( 11 ) is / are arranged in a positionally changeable or positionally unchangeable manner in relation to the system ( 100 ) for metal production and / or metal processing. Page 69 / 74 P81103WO 6. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sound sensor ( 10 ) and / or the second sound sensor ( 11 ) is designed as a microphone, preferably as an electrostatic microphone or as a piezoelectric microphone or as a dynamic microphone.

7. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sound sensor ( 10 ) and / or the second sound sensor ( 11 ) has / have an electric field.

8. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data processing device ( 20 ) is configured to locate the origin of the acoustic signals based on a time difference between receiving a first acoustic signal by means of the first sound sensor ( 10 ) and receiving a second acoustic signal by means of the second sound sensor ( 11 ).

9. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data processing device ( 20 ) is configured to locate the origin of the acoustic signals based on a phase difference between a first acoustic signal received by means of the first sound sensor ( 10 ) and a second acoustic signal received by means of the second sound sensor ( 11 ).

10. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data processing device ( 20 ) is configured to locate the origin of an acoustic signal s by means of beamforming.

11. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that s the data processing device ( 20 ) for this purpose Page 70 / 74 P81103WO is set up to locate the origin of an acoustic signal using triangulation.

12. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system ( 1 ) has more than two sound sensors ( 10, 11 ), in particular three or more, or four or more, wherein the data processing device ( 20 ) is data connected to the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ) and wherein the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ) are each arranged at a distance from each other.

13. System ( 1 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ) have an equal distance from each other.

14. System ( 1 ) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ) are arranged in a regular pattern relative to each other, in particular in a rectangular pattern, in a square pattern, in a circular pattern or in a circular pattern.

15. System ( 1 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that at least the first sound sensor ( 10 ) has a distance to the second sound sensor ( 11 ) which differs from a distance between the first sound sensor ( 10 ) and a third sound sensor.

16. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ) are configured to detect acoustic signals with a sound frequency of to receive 2 GHz, preferably from ≤ 1.6 GHz and particularly preferably from 20 kHz. Page 71 / 74 P81103WO 17. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ) are configured to receive acoustic signals with a sound frequency of ≥ 1 Hz, preferably from 15 Hz and especially preferred from 10 kHz.

18. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data processing device ( 20 ) is configured to perform a time-frequency analysis of the acoustic signals received by the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ), preferably before the origin of the acoustic signals is localized.

19. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data processing device ( 20 ) is configured to process one or more than one signal component with a sound frequency of to filter 1 Hz from the acoustic signals received by the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ), preferably before the origin of the acoustic signals is localized.

20. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data processing device (20) is configured to process one or more than one signal component with a sound frequency of to filter out the acoustic signals received by the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ) at 2 GHz, preferably before the origin of the acoustic signals is localized.

21. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sound sensor ( 10, 11 ), in particular the first sound sensor ( 10 ) and / or the second sound sensor ( 11 ), provides a substitute noise level of 30 dB, preferably 25 dB, preferably 15 dB and especially preferred by 10 dB. Page 72 / 74 P81103WO 22. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sound sensor ( 10 ) and / or the second sound sensor ( 11 ) is / are configured to generate an acoustic localization signal, wherein a reflection of the acoustic localization signal generated by the first sound sensor ( 10 ) and / or the second sound sensor ( 11 ) at the plant ( 100 ) for metal production and / or metalworking is an acoustic signal received by the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ).

23. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system (1) has a control unit (30) which is data-connected to the data processing unit (20), wherein the data processing device ( 20 ) is configured to transmit a signal, preferably an electrical signal, to the control device ( 30 ); wherein the signal comprises information about at least one received acoustic signal, preferably position information about the origin of at least one acoustic signal; and wherein the control device ( 30 ) is configured to influence, at least indirectly, the operation of the plant ( 100 ) for metal production and / or metal processing, based on the signal transmitted by the data processing device ( 20 ).

24. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that ss the system ( 1 ) has an optical sensor connected to the data processing unit ( 20 ) which is configured to receive an optical signal, preferably an optical signal emanating from the plant ( 100 ) for metal production and / or metal processing; Page 73 / 74 P81103WO wherein the data processing device ( 20 ) is configured to additionally locate the origin of the acoustic signal received from the sound sensors ( 10, 11 ) using the received optical signal.

25. Use of a system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims for localizing the origin of at least an acoustic signal. 2 6. Method for localizing the origin of at least one acoustic signal, using a system comprising a first sound sensor ( 10 ) and a second sound sensor ( 11 ), preferably using a system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Receiving at least one acoustic signal emanating from a plant ( 100 ) for metal production and / or metalworking; and Locating the origin of the acoustic signal.

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