Cigarette Seam Detection Using Laser Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the track of origin in cigarette making machines with multiple tracks suffer from low reliability due to poorly defined paper seams and variations in shadow width and depth, leading to inconsistent seam detection.
Innovation Solution
The method employs optical distance measuring devices, such as laser telemetry units, to detect the seams of wrapping and tipping papers, providing superior resolution and reliability by measuring distance changes proportional to paper thickness, and uses signal processing techniques like high-frequency pass filtering and median filtering to enhance signal quality and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shadow detection methods are used to detect paper seams, then the detection process is simple, but the reliability of seam detection is low due to poorly defined seams and variations in shadow width and depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical shadow detection method with a mechanical contact-based detection system. A detection element physically contacts the cigarette surface at multiple predefined positions, and sensors detect the contact forces to identify seam locations. This mechanical substitution eliminates the problems of shadow definition and provides more reliable seam detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary (detection element) between the detection system and the cigarette. This intermediary physically interacts with the cigarette surface to detect seam positions through contact force variations, providing more precise and reliable measurement compared to direct optical shadow detection.
2Measurement precision
If optical distance measuring devices are used to detect seams, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical distance measuring devices with a simpler mechanical contact-based detection system. The mechanical system uses contact forces and simple sensors to achieve reliable seam detection without the complexity of optical measurement equipment.
3Reliability
If multiple detection elements are used to contact the cigarette surface, then the seam detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple discrete detection elements positioned at specific locations around the cigarette. Each detection element independently contacts the cigarette surface at predetermined positions, and their combined signals provide reliable seam detection. This segmentation allows parallel detection at multiple points without requiring a single complex detection mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly improves the reliability of seam detection, allowing for accurate determination of the track of origin with high signal-to-noise ratio and precise identification of seam signatures, even in irregular cigarette shapes.
Implementation Method 1
the optical detection includes distance measurements carried out using at least one first distance measuring apparatus and at least one second distance measuring apparatus, wherein the at least one first distance measuring apparatus is located and oriented so as to produce at least one first raw data signal representing a distance to a wrapping paper of the cigarette
Implementation Method 2
a single length filter cigarette produced in a cigarette making machine having a plurality of tracks is received by a rotating device, in particular a rotating chuck, and rotated around an axis of rotation which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cigarette
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
The invention concerns a method and a system for determining the track of origin (TA, TB, FR-TA, FR-TB, RR-TA, RR-TB) of products of the tobacco processing industry, as well as a cigarette inspection unit. A single length filter cigarette (24) produced in a cigarette making machine having a plurality of tracks (TA, TB) is received in a rotating device (34) and rotated around an axis of rotation (35') which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cigarette (24), wherein during rotation of a cigarette (24) held in the rotating device (34) an optical detection of seams (26, 28) of a wrapping paper (25) and of a tipping paper (27) of the cigarette (24) are carried out, wherein from the results of the optical detection the track of origin (TA, TB, FR-TA, FR-TB, RR-TA, RR-TB) of the cigarette (24) is determined. According to the present invention, the optical detection includes distance measurements carried out using at least one first distance measuring apparatus (36) and at least one second distance measuring apparatus (38), wherein the at least one first distance measuring apparatus (36) is located and oriented so as to produce at least one first raw data signal representing a distance to a wrapping paper (25) of the cigarette (24) and the at least one second distance measuring apparatus (38) is located and oriented so as to produce at least one second raw data signal representing a distance to a tipping paper (27) of the cigarette (24).