Panel Processing Control Using Image-Based Workpiece Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plate processing systems often operate at suboptimal efficiency and struggle to react effectively to unforeseen events, requiring significant operator intervention.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where an image capture device autonomously detects workpieces and their status, allowing the system to adjust processing sequences, tool usage, and system status without human intervention, using cameras to monitor and control the processing environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If operator intervention is used to control the panel processing system, then the system can handle unforeseen events, but the operational efficiency and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidoperator intervention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The panel processing system autonomously detects workpieces using image capture devices, automatically adjusts processing parameters, and controls processing tools without operator intervention. The system serves itself by making independent decisions based on detected workpiece characteristics, eliminating the need for continuous human monitoring and control while maintaining high operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses image capture devices to continuously monitor workpieces and feeds this information back to the control device. Based on this feedback, the control device automatically adjusts processing sequences, tool parameters, and system status to optimize operations and handle unforeseen events, replacing manual operator feedback loops with automated visual inspection and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the system operates autonomously without operator intervention, then productivity increases, but the ability to handle complex unforeseen events may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidreaction to unforeseen events
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual operator perception and decision-making with automated image capture devices and control algorithms. The system uses computer vision to detect workpiece characteristics, orientation, and position, then automatically translates this visual information into processing decisions, substituting human cognitive processing with automated optical and computational systems that can rapidly respond to unforeseen events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of workpieces using image capture devices before processing begins. By pre-identifying workpiece characteristics, potential issues, and required processing parameters, the system prepares appropriate responses in advance, enabling rapid and reliable handling of unforeseen events during operation without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If image capture devices are used for autonomous detection, then automation extent increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image capture devices serve multiple functions within the panel processing system: detecting workpiece presence, determining orientation, measuring dimensions, identifying defects, and tracking position. By using a single multi-functional detection system rather than separate specialized devices for each function, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving high levels of autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3116672B1Method for operating a panel processing installation
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 HOMAG PLATTENAUFTEILTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP3116672B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3116672B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3116672B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a panel processing installation (10), a processed workpiece being produced from an initial workpiece by means of a processing device. At least one section (16, 76) of the panel processing installation (10) is observed by means of an image capture device (70). According to the invention, the operation of the panel processing installation (10) depends on at least one value detected by the image capture device (70) and associated with the initial workpiece and/or the treated workpiece.