Method and device for measuring, determining and controlling flatness of a metal strip

A device for optimizing measurement and control of the flatness of a strip of rolled material, the device comprising:

• a flatness measurement device configured to measure a flatness of the strip,
• a visualization device configured to obtain a visual image of the strip,
• a comparison device configured to determine a relevant flatness fault type by comparing the visual image to one or more reference strip models for known flatness types,
• a morphing unit configured to fuse or morph the measured flatness with the determined relevant flatness fault type,
• a flatness control configured to control flatness by comparing the fused or morphed measured flatness with a target flatness profile to determine a flatness error.

A computer program product, comprising:

• a computer readable medium;
• and
• computer program code means recorded on the computer readable medium and executable by a processor for carrying out the steps of
• measuring a flatness of the strip,
• obtaining a visual image of the strip,
• determining a relevant flatness fault type by comparing the visual image to one or more reference strip models for known flatness fault types,
• fusion or morphing the measured flatness with the determined relevant flatness fault type, and
• controlling flatness by comparing the fused or morphed measured flatness with a target flatness profile to determine a flatness error.