Leather Hide Projection Layout for Accurate Cutting Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing leather hides and fabrics in furniture manufacturing are inefficient, leading to suboptimal yield and high labor costs due to manual inaccuracies and expensive automated systems that require significant maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The use of coordinate transformation tables and virtual markings projected onto the worktable by a camera and projector system allows for accurate definition and correction of imperfections, enabling optimized template placement and cutting patterns, reducing labor and increasing yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used for cutting leather hides, then labor flexibility is maintained, but yield optimization is insufficient due to inability to evaluate all placement options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the leather hide image and template set, allowing computer-based evaluation of millions of placement scenarios without physically moving templates. The digital model enables rapid iteration through multiple placement configurations to identify optimal yield arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical template placement and marking with an automated computer system that digitally processes hide images, evaluates template placements, and outputs cutting instructions. This substitution eliminates the time constraint of manual evaluation while maximizing yield.
2Productivity
If automated cutting machines are used, then leather yield is optimized through computer processing, but system cost and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cutting system into separate functional components: a relatively simple imaging device for capturing hide images, a computer for processing and optimization, and a cutting device for execution. This segmentation allows the complex optimization function to be isolated to the computer while keeping individual components simpler and more cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standard digital camera and computer system that can serve multiple purposes beyond leather cutting optimization. These universal components reduce overall system cost compared to specialized automated cutting machines designed for a single function.
3Ease of operation
If traditional marking methods are used on leather hides, then cutting guidance is provided, but markings are difficult to remove and may damage the hide surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects a digital copy of the optimized template layout onto the leather hide surface, providing cutting guidance without requiring permanent markings. The projected image serves as a temporary visual guide that can be easily removed by simply turning off the projector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical marking methods (chalk, pens, adhesives) with optical projection technology. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of traditional markings on the leather surface while maintaining clear cutting guidance through the projected template outlines.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for processing coverings such as leather hides and fabrics are provided. A system can include a worktable having a surface on which a covering is placeable. An imaging device can be positionable relative to the worktable. The imaging device can be configured to obtain an image of the covering on the surface of the worktable. A projector can be positionable relative to worktable. The projector can be configured to project an image onto the surface of the worktable and the covering on the surface of the worktable. A controller can be in communication with the imaging device and projector. The controller can be configured to correct images taken by the imaging device. The controller can also be configured to correct the images projected onto the surface of the worktable and the covering thereon. The controller can be configured to permit the showing of virtual markings on the covering placed on the surface of the worktable through an image projected thereon by the projector. The covering can then be marked or cut along the virtual markings.