Cutting machine
AssigneeOpensoft, Inc.
InventorBrett Heap
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A guidance system provides step-wise, real-time or near real-time video guidance to a cutting machine operator to efficiently cut up a lift into multiple products, where determining an efficient sequence of steps is laborious for an ordinary operator. The display can advantageously show the operator where to temporarily store various “logs” that are cut off from the lift, and how and when to reinsert them into the cutting machine for further cuts, whether by themselves, in side-by-side manner, and/or in stacks. Camera feedback can be used to ensure that the operator is properly positioning and orienting the lift/logs. The display can alternatively or additionally use simulation to guide the operator.
Claims25
A cutting machine that assists an operator in making successive cuts on a lift of sheets, according to a cut course or other pattern, the cutting machine comprising:
- a table, a backgauge, and a cutting blade or other cutter;
- a press member configured to press the lift against the table while the lift is being cut by the cutter;
- a processor configured to:
- receive position information for products printed on the log;
- analyze the position information;
- generate a cut course;
- and
- a control module configured to:
- operate an actuator that positions the backgauge with respect to the cutter for successive at least first and second cuts;
- instruct the operator (i) where to position and how to orient the lift with respect to the backgauge for the first cut, (ii) where to temporarily place a first cut lift, and a first log resulting from the first cut, with respect to a holding area, a cutting area, and a finished area, and (iii) where to reposition and how to orient at least one of the cut lift and the first log with respect to the backgauge for the second cut;
- wherein the lift becomes successively smaller by cutting away the first log with the first cut, and a second log with the second cut.
A method of instructing an operator to use a cutting machine to cut a lift into a set of products, comprising:
- using a processor to generate a cut course comprising a plurality of successive cuts, by analyzing positions of products printed on the lift;
- providing simulations to the operator that depict:
- how to orient the lift with respect to the cutting machine to make the plurality of successive cuts to produce a plurality of cut-away logs;
- and
- where to place each of the plurality of cut-away logs with respect to a holding area, a cutting area, and a finished area;
- and
- using a display to depict real-time or near real-time positioning of (a) the lift and the cut-away logs with respect to the cutting machine, and (b) the cut-away logs with respect to the holding area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.