Abstract: This invention relates to a system for monitoring a process which includes a plurality of monitoring means such as video camera which collects data relative to the process. The collected data is converted into a digital format and the digitized data stored in digital data storage device such that as new data is stored earlier stored data is removed to maintain about the same volume of stored data. The system also includes a control such as a computer which communicates with the digital data storage device. In the event of a deviation from a process parameter, the control is adapted to extract and display the digitized data corresponding to the deviation.

Abstract: A quality control apparatus and method are provided for a paper mill. The apparatus includes at least one lab entry station which communicates directly with each laboratory in a paper mill. Information from each laboratory is validated by the lab entry station. The apparatus also includes a gateway entry station which receives information from on-line systems in the paper mill and reformats the received information into a single useable format. A global data base manager communicates with the lab entry station and the gateway entry station identifies each bit of information received and assigns addresses for the identified information. A communication manager is provided to transmit the received information from the global data base manager to operator stations. Operator stations provide user interfaces throughout the paper mill at which data can be displayed and analyzed.

Abstract: A system for continuously monitoring a process such as a paper making process wherein a plurality of video cameras are positioned at various positions along the process to monitor one or more pre-determined characteristics of the process. The system further includes device for converting the monitored characteristics into digital format and a digital data storage device, such as a circular memory, for storage of such data such that as new data is stored earlier stored data is removed. The system includes a control device such as a computer which is capable of communicating with the data storage device and with a detector for detecting deviations from the monitored predetermined characteristic such that on receipt of a deviation signal the control device extracts from the digital data storage device digitized data corresponding to the deviation and displays such extracted deviation digitized data as for example on a video monitor.

Abstract: The invention is a system for monitoring a process in which process data relating to a predetermined characteristic of the process is collected and stored in digital format and extracted based upon a predetermined criterion for display. A plurality of monitors are strategically positioned at various locations of interest to observe the predetermined characteristic. Data obtained by the monitors are converted into digital format and stored. A central control is provided for retrieving the digital data in accordance with a predetermined criterion and transmitting the retrieved data to a display unit. The predetermined criterion for display may be specified as a deviation from the predetermined characteristic, and a plurality of deviation detectors may be coupled to the system for obtaining and relaying information relating to such deviations. Upon deviation, the central control may be adapted to retrieve digital data based on time and location of the deviation.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is provided for testing the hardness of paper rolls. The apparatus includes a tester that is selectively moveable across a roll of paper. The tester includes an impact anvil which strikes the paper at a selected frequency and which determines the hardness of the paper roll based on forces encountered by the impact anvil. The tester further includes an encoder wheel for identifying relative positions on the paper roll at which each test is performed. The impact anvil and the encoder wheel are operatively connected to a computer which receives signals and calculates hardness at each of the plurality of positions tested. The computer provides output of data on the most recent traversal of a paper roll and on plural sequentially tested rolls to assess trends in the hardness of paper rolls produced by a particular machine.