RU2168765C1 - Method for forming images and apparatus for performing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: automatics and radioelectronics, possibly designing information tables and advertising panels. SUBSTANCE: method comprises steps of successively moving separate elements of image to interval between two surfaces and placing them by rows; at disassembling image extracting separate elements of image out of said interval. In one variant of invention apparatus for forming images is provided with unit for sorting and storing, assembling conveyer and disassembling conveyer with drive unit, control device and shelf with drive mechanism arranged between first and second walls. At least one of said walls is transparent. EFFECT: enlarged functional possibilities due to automatization of process for assembling-disassembling images. 37 cl, 54 dwg

Description

 The invention relates to the field of automation and radio electronics, in particular to methods and devices for imaging, and can be used in the design of information boards and billboards with the possibility of periodic automated changes to the generated images.

 A known method of forming images, which consists in forming them from assembly elements that are moved from the storage location to certain positions in the generated image (Europatent EP 0846575, 1998, MKI 6 B 44 F 11/04).

 The known method is a modern version of the method of creating images in the form of mosaics from many elements of small sizes, known for many centuries.

 The disadvantage of this method is that the formed image cannot be changed after creation, since the assembly elements are bonded to the base with a bonding agent. Therefore, the known image forming method is not suitable for generating repeatedly changing images.

 In technical essence, the closest to the claimed invention is a method of forming images, which consists in forming them from assembly elements that are moved from the storage location to certain positions in the generated image, and disassembling the image after use, during which assembly elements are placed in a storage location with the possibility their subsequent use to assemble another image, and at least one of the assembly elements can be visually distinguished from the rest (US Patent N 4505061, 1985, l 6 G 09 F 11/00).

 In accordance with a known method, the assembly elements are attached to a vertical wall of the housing.

 The disadvantage of this method is its limited functionality, namely the complexity of the automation of the formation and disassembly of the image. This is due to the fact that when performing these operations, it is necessary to move the assembly elements with precise positioning in three coordinates, attach the assembly elements to a vertical wall and remove them from this wall. Using an automatically controlled manipulator that performs these operations similarly to human actions will not provide a sufficiently high speed of assembly and disassembly of the image.

 A device for imaging is known, containing a vertical wall of the housing to which the assembly elements are attached (US Patent N 4505061, 1985, MKL 6 G 09 F 11/00).

 A disadvantage of the known device is its limited functionality, namely the lack of automation of the formation and disassembly of images.

 By technical nature, the closest to the claimed devices is an image forming device comprising a housing, between which there is a gap between the first and second walls for the assembly of elements that form the desired image (US Patent N 4214390, 1980, MKI 6 G 09 F 9 /thirty).

 In the known device, the first wall contains holes. Assembly elements are installed between the first and second walls, so that part of the surface of each of them protrudes outward through an opening in the first wall. Assembly elements have surface areas painted in different colors. To form an image in the known device, each assembly element is rotated in such a way that through the hole in the first wall there is a portion of its surface having the desired color.

 A disadvantage of the known device is limited functionality due to the lack of automation of image formation, as a result of which the assembly elements must be rotated manually to the desired positions. As a result, the formation of the desired image requires a lot of labor.

 The technical result of the present invention is the expansion of functionality by providing automation of the formation and disassembly of the image.

 To solve the technical problem in the method of forming images, which consists in forming them from assembly elements that are moved from the storage location to certain positions in the generated image, and disassembling the image after use, during which assembly elements are placed in a storage location with the possibility of their subsequent use for assembling another image, and at least one of the assembly elements can be visually distinguished from the rest, in the process of image formation -term elements are moved sequentially into the gap between the two surfaces and stacked therein in rows, as in the process of disassembly of the assembly elements of the image extracted from the above-mentioned gap.

 In addition, in the process of image formation, the rows of assembly elements are stacked starting from the bottom row and ending with the top, and after stacking every N1 rows (where N1 is an integer), all assembled rows are moved in the direction from the top row to the bottom.

 In addition, during the imaging process, each assembly element is moved from the storage location to a predetermined position of the stacked row of assembly elements using air flow.

 In addition, in the process of image formation, all stacked rows of assembly elements are moved in the direction from the top row to the bottom using gravity.

 In addition, in the process of disassembling the image, one after another, all rows of assembly elements are disassembled, starting from the top row and ending with the bottom, and after disassembling each N2 rows (where N2 is an integer), all remaining rows are moved from the lower row to the upper one.

 In addition, during the disassembly process, each assembly element is moved from a disassembled row of assembly elements to a storage location using air flow.

 In addition, in the process of disassembling the image, the assembly elements are moved to the storage location under the action of gravity.

 In addition, the image is formed from assembly elements of different colors, which after use are sorted by color.

 In addition, the sorting of assembly elements by color is at least partially carried out simultaneously with the disassembly of the image.

 In addition, the sorting of assembly elements by color is performed after disassembling the image.

 In addition, the sorting of the assembly elements by color is at least partially carried out simultaneously with the formation of the next image.

 In addition, K parts of the image are simultaneously formed, where K is an integer.

 In addition, in the process of laying each row of assembly elements, each of them is first moved to the beginning of this row, and then moved along this row to a predetermined position.

 In addition, during the movement of each assembly element along a row, its displacement outside the row is limited.

 In addition, the movement of the assembly element along the row is performed by gravity.

 In addition, during the movement of the assembly element along the row, the speed of its movement is limited.

 In addition, to solve the technical problem, the device for forming images according to the first embodiment, comprising a housing, between which at least the first and second walls there is a gap for accommodating assembly elements that form the desired image, is equipped with a sorting and storage unit, an assembly conveyor and a conveyor disassembly with a conveyor drive, a control unit and a shelf with a drive located in the gap between the first and second walls, at least one of which is made transparent, and the assembly conveyor and disassembly conveyor connect the gap between the first and second walls with the outlet and inlet openings of the sorting and storage unit, respectively, while the corresponding outputs of the control unit are connected to the input of the drive shelf, the input of the conveyor drive and the input of the sorting and storage unit, output which is connected to the input of the control unit.

 In addition, the sorting and storage unit contains NC bins with feed units (where NC is an integer), an input gate, a color sensor, a sorting compressor, an assembly compressor, NC baffles, a baffle switch and a feed unit switch, and the sorting compressor is installed so that the airflow created by him moved the assembly elements from the inlet gate, connected with the inlet of the sorting and storage unit, to the bunkers, each of the NC deflectors is installed so that in the on state to direct the moving from the inlet about the shutter the assembly element in the corresponding hopper, the assembly compressor is installed so that the air flow created by it moves the assembly elements from the supply nodes to the outlet of the sorting and storage units, while the output of the color sensor is connected to the output of the sorting and storage unit, to the input of which the inputs are connected sorting compressor, compressor assembly, input gate, baffle switch, and feed node switch, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the corresponding feed nodes, and the outputs of the switch speakers are connected to the inputs of the respective baffles.

 In addition, at least one of the NC deflectors is made in the form of a controlled pneumatic nozzle connected to a source of compressed air.

 In addition, at least one of the NC deflectors is made in the form of an electromagnet with a movable core.

 In addition, the sorting and storage unit is additionally equipped with ND position sensors (where ND is an integer) and a polling unit for position sensors, the output of the latter being connected to an additional output of the sorting and storage unit connected to an additional input of the control unit, and the inputs are connected to the outputs of the corresponding position sensors located with the ability to control the movement of the assembly element from the input gate to the hoppers.

 In addition, an element passage sensor connected to the corresponding input of the control unit and installed in the assembly conveyor is introduced into the image forming apparatus to control the passage of the assembly element.

 In addition, the second wall has a mirror coating on the inside.

 In addition, to solve the technical problem, the device for forming images according to the second embodiment, comprising a housing, between which there is a gap between the first and second walls for accommodating assembly elements that form the desired image, is equipped with a sorting and storage unit, a conveyor with a conveyor drive, an intermediate hopper , a control unit and a shelf with a drive located in the gap between the first and second walls, at least one of which is transparent, moreover, the porter connects the gap between the first and second walls with the outlet of the sorting and storage unit, the inlet of which is connected to an intermediate hopper arranged to move assembly elements into it from the gap between the first and second walls, while the corresponding outputs of the control unit are connected to the input of the drive shelves, the input of the conveyor drive and the input of the sorting and storage unit.

 In addition, the sorting and storage unit contains NC bins with feed units (where NC is an integer), an input gate, a color sensor, a sorting compressor, an assembly compressor, NC baffles, a sorting control unit, a baffle switch and a feed unit switch, the sorting compressor installed so that the air flow created by it moves the elements from the inlet gate, connected with the inlet of the sorting and storage unit, to the bunkers, each of the NC deflectors is installed so that to direct two the assembly element, which is shrinking from the inlet gate, into the corresponding hopper, the assembly compressor is installed so that the air flow created by it moves the assembly elements from the supply units to the outlet of the sorting and storage unit, while the input of the assembly compressor and the unit start input are connected to the input of the sorting and storage unit sorting control and the input of the feed node switch, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the corresponding feed nodes, the corresponding outputs of the sorting control unit are connected to the input one shutter, the input of the sorting compressor and the input of the baffle switch, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the corresponding baffles, and the output of the color sensor is connected to the input of the sorting control unit.

 In addition, the sorting and storage unit is additionally equipped with ND position sensors (where ND is an integer) and a polling unit for position sensors, the output of the latter being connected to an additional input of the sorting control unit, and the inputs being connected to the outputs of the corresponding position sensors located so as to control movement of the assembly element from the input gate to the hoppers.

 In addition, to solve the technical problem, the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, comprising a housing, between which there is a gap between the first and second walls for accommodating the assembly elements that form the desired image, is equipped with a sorting and storage unit, an assembly unit with an appropriate drive, a conveyor , an intermediate hopper, a control unit and a shelf with a drive of a shelf located in the gap between the first and second walls, at least one of which is made transparent, and the outlet of the assembly unit is connected with the gap between the first and second walls, and the inlet through the conveyor is connected with the outlet of the sorting and storage unit, the inlet of which is connected to an intermediate hopper located with the possibility of moving assembly elements into it from the gap between the first and the second wall, while the corresponding outputs of the control unit are connected to the input of the drive of the shelf, the input of the drive of the assembly unit, the input of the sorting and storage unit and the input of the unit assembly.

 In addition, the sorting and storage unit contains NC hoppers with gates (where NC is an integer), an input shutter, a color sensor, a sorting compressor, a replenishment compressor, NC baffles, a sorting control unit, a baffle switch and a shutter switch, and the sorting compressor is installed as follows so that the air flow created by it moves the assembly elements from the inlet gate, connected with the inlet of the sorting and storage unit, to the bins, each of the NC deflectors is installed so that in the on state there is an assembly element moving from the input gate to the corresponding hopper, the replenishment compressor is installed so that the air flow created by it moves the assembly elements from the gates to the outlet of the sorting and storage unit, while the input of the replenishing compressor, the input of the start of the unit are connected to the input of the sorting and storage unit sorting control and the input of the gate switch, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the corresponding gates, the corresponding outputs of the sorting control unit are connected to the input m input gate input sorting compressor and the inlet deflector switch, which outputs are connected to the inputs of the respective baffles and the color sensor output is connected to the input of the sorting control unit.

 In addition, the assembly unit comprises a distributor, NC bins with feed units and a switch of feed units, each of the NC feed units connecting a corresponding hopper to the outlet of the assembly unit, the inlet of which is connected to a distributor configured to direct assembly elements to each of the NC bunkers, while the input of the assembly unit is connected to the input of the distributor and to the input of the switch of the feed units, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the NC feed units.

 In addition, the assembly unit additionally contains 2xNC filling sensors and a polling sensor block, and the filling sensors are located two in each of the NC bins, and their outputs are connected to the corresponding inputs of the polling sensor block, the output of which is the output of the assembly block connected to the input control unit.

 In addition, the device for forming images is provided with vertical or inclined dividers located between the first and second walls, which limit the displacements of the assembly elements in the horizontal direction.

 In addition, in the device for forming images in the interval between the first and second walls, sections with increased resistance to movement of the assembly elements are formed.

 In addition, to solve the technical problem, the device for forming images according to the fourth embodiment, comprising a housing, between which there is a gap between the first and second walls for placing assembly elements that form the desired image, is equipped with a sorting and storage unit, a conveyor with a conveyor drive, an intermediate hopper , a control unit, M shelves located between the first wall and the second wall, at least one of which is transparent, and a door, covering the above gap on one of the sides, the assembly conveyor connecting the gap between the first and second walls with the outlet of the sorting and storage unit, the inlet of which is connected to an intermediate hopper located with the possibility of moving assembly elements into it from the gap between the first and second walls with the door open, the corresponding outputs of the control unit are connected to the input of the door drive, the input of the conveyor drive and the input of the sorting and storage unit.

 In addition, on M shelves, ends distant from the door are located higher than the ends adjacent to the door.

 In addition, the first wall has openings.

 The essence of the invention according to the proposed method of image formation is that in the process of image formation, the assembly elements are successively moved to the gap between the two surfaces and stacked in rows in this gap, and in the process of disassembling the image, the assembly elements are removed from the above gap. In this case, both during the formation and disassembly of the image, it is required to ensure the positioning of mechanically movable nodes in only one coordinate. The movement of the assembly elements is carried out either with the help of air flows through flexible pipelines, or under the action of gravity.

 This makes it possible to automate the formation of an image from assembly elements and disassemble the image into assembly elements, which can then be used to assemble a new image. When forming images from assembly elements of different colors when disassembling an image, the specified elements are automatically sorted by color.

 The invention according to the proposed image forming apparatuses consists in the introduction of a sorting and storage unit, one or two conveyors with a drive, a control unit, one or many shelves located between the first and second walls, and (in one embodiment) assembly unit, as well as the organization of the corresponding mechanical, pneumatic and electrical connections between the parts of the devices, provide automatic formation and disassembly of images, and during disassembly, assembly elements Entries are sorted by color, after which they can be used to form a new image. All this extends the functionality of the method and devices.

 A comparison of the claimed inventions with the prototype allows us to claim compliance with the criterion of "novelty", and the absence of distinctive features of the claimed inventions in known analogues indicates compliance with the criterion of "inventive step".

 Preliminary tests make it possible to judge the possibility of industrial use.

 In FIG. 1 is an illustration of the main idea of the claimed invention; in FIG. 2 is a general view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention in three projections; in FIG. 3 is an electrical block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention; in FIG. 4 shows a construction of a sorting and storage unit in an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention in two projections; in FIG. 5 - assembly head design; in FIG. 6 - disassembly head design; in FIG. 7 - design of the feed unit; in FIG. 8 is a design of an input shutter in an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention in three projections; in FIG. 9 is an electrical block diagram of a block for interrogating position sensors; in FIG. 10 is an electrical block diagram of a color sensor; in FIG. 11 - block diagram of the program of the device for forming images according to the first embodiment; in FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a disassembly and sort subroutine for a device according to a first embodiment; in FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a subroutine for disassembling and sorting a number of assembly elements for a device according to the first embodiment; in FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an imaging routine for a device according to a first embodiment; in FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a routine for laying a number of assembly elements for a device according to a first embodiment; in FIG. 16 is a general view of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment in three projections; in FIG. 17 is an electrical block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment; in FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragment A of FIG. 16; in FIG. 19 shows a design of a sorting and storage unit in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment; in FIG. 20 is a design of an input shutter in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment in two projections; in FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a program of operation of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment; in FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a sort subroutine for a device according to a second embodiment; in FIG. 23 is a general view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment in three projections; in FIG. 24 is an electrical block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment; in FIG. 25 is a fragment of an apparatus for forming images according to the third embodiment on an enlarged scale in two projections; in FIG. 26 is a design of a sorting unit for an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment in two projections; in FIG. 27 - construction of the assembly unit in two projections; in FIG. 28 - design of the distributor; in FIG. 29 is a block diagram of a program of operation of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment; in FIG. 30 is a block diagram of an image forming routine for a device according to a third embodiment; in FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a sub-routine stacking an image column; in FIG. 32 is a block diagram of a replenishment routine of assembly items in an assembly block; in FIG. 33 is a general view of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment; in FIG. 34 is an electrical block diagram of a device according to a fourth embodiment; in FIG. 35 is a block diagram of a program of operation of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment; in FIG. 36 is a block diagram of an imaging routine for a device according to a fourth embodiment; in FIG. 37 is a block diagram of a routine for laying a number of assembly elements for a device according to a fourth embodiment.

 In accordance with the image forming method of the present invention (Fig. 1), an image is formed from assembly elements 1, which may have different colors. Assembly elements 1 are laid in rows between the first wall 2 and the second wall 3. Initially, the assembly elements 1 are located in the storage location 4. In the process of forming 5, the assembly elements 1 of the desired colors are moved from the storage location 4 in the gap between the first wall 2 and the second wall 3 and are laid there in rows. The result is the desired image. The first wall 2, or the second wall 3, or both of these walls are made transparent, so that the viewer can see the formed image.

 When it is necessary to form a new image in place of the previous one, disassembly 6 of the previous image is first performed, during which assembly elements 1 are removed from the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3. Then sorting 7 of assembly elements 1 can be sorted by color, as a result of which assembly elements 1 are placed in the storage location 4. After that, you can perform the formation of 5 new images.

 The quality of the image formed largely depends on the number of reproduced colors. If the dimensions of the assembly elements 1 and the distance from the observer to the generated image are such that each separately distinguishable image element (pixel) is formed by one assembly element 1, then the number of reproducible colors is equal to the number of colors of the assembly elements 1. To increase the number of reproducible colors, you can reduce the size of the assembly elements 1 and increase their total number in the image. In this case, each pixel will consist of several assembly elements 1, and its visible color will be the result of adding the colors of the assembly elements constituting it 1. If, for example, the pixel is a “3 x 3” matrix of assembly elements 1, each of which has one of four colors, the number of reproduced colors is "220", and if each assembly element 1 has one of five colors, then the number of reproduced colors is "715".

 As shown in the following presentation, the features of the image forming method of the present invention make it possible to automate the described operations. In embodiments of the image forming apparatuses of the present invention, 5 images are automatically generated from assembly elements 1 of different colors, disassembly 6 of the image, sorting 7 assembly elements 1 by color. In more detail, the method of image formation will be disclosed in the description of options for implementing its devices.

 The device for forming images according to the first embodiment (Figs. 2 and 3) comprises a first wall 2 and a second wall 3, between which a gap is formed, filled with assembly elements 1. a shelf 8 located between the first wall 2 and the second wall 3 and provided with a drive for the shelf, comprising drive units 9, 10 connected to the shelf 8 by mechanical connections 11, 12, sorting and storage unit 13, an assembly conveyor comprising an assembly head 14 connected by an assembly pipe 15 to an outlet of the sorting and storage unit 13, a disassembly conveyor, comprising a disassembly head 16 connected by a disassembly pipe 17 to an inlet of the sorting and storage unit 13, a conveyor drive 18, a guide 19, side walls 20 and 21 that fasten the first and second walls 2 and 3, at least one of which is transparent, and a control unit 22.

 The corresponding outputs of the control unit 22 are connected to the input of the shelf drive formed by the inputs of the drive units 9, 10, the input of the conveyor drive 18 and the input of the sorting and storage unit 13, the output of which is connected to the input of the control unit 22. Structurally, the control unit 22 can be located, for example, on the outside of the second wall 3 or inside the sorting and storage unit 13 (not shown in FIG. 2).

 The first, second and side walls 2, 3, 20 and 21 form the body of the device. The shelf 8 can move under the action of the blocks 9, 10 of the drive in the vertical direction. The assembly head 14 and the disassembly head 16 can be moved by the conveyor drive 18 along the upper boundary of the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3 along the guide 19. The assembly pipe 15 and the disassembly pipe 17 can be made in the form of flexible hoses so that their ends connected to the heads 14 and 16, respectively, moved with them.

 If the first wall 2 is made transparent, then the second wall 3 may have a mirror coating on the inner side facing the first wall 2. The assembly elements 1 can be spherical in shape and made, for example, of colored polymeric materials. It is possible to use assembly elements 1 of a different shape and from a different material.

 The blocks 9 and 10 of the drive contain stepper motors and the necessary electrical components to turn on and off these motors under the action of signals from the control unit 22. Mechanical connections 11 and 12 are made in the form of cables that are wound on pulleys in blocks 9 and 10 of the drive. It is possible to perform mechanical connections 11 and 12 in the form of rigid rods. In this case, the drive units 9 and 10 should be located at the bottom of the device and have mechanisms for moving up and down the indicated rods and flange 8. The device may also contain sensors for the upper and lower end positions of flange 8 and electronic circuits allowing the control unit 22 to read the state of these sensors (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).

 The conveyor drive 18 may include a stepper motor with a mechanical transmission that provides movement of the heads 14 and 16 along the guide 19, as well as electronic components for turning the stepper motor on and off under the influence of signals from the control unit 22 and sensors of the left and right end positions of the heads 14 and 16 s electronic nodes that allow the control unit 22 to read the status of these sensors (in Fig. 2 and 3 are not shown). A detailed description of the nodes providing movement of the heads 14 and 16 along the guide 19 is not given, since such nodes are widely known in mechanical engineering and instrumentation.

 The control unit 22 (Fig. 3) contains a controller 23 with integrated program memory (memory) 24 and a data memory 25, image memory 26, a communication unit 27 connected between the controller 23 and the communication channel 28, and a system bus 29, to which connected the controller 23 and the memory 26 of the image. The inputs and outputs of the control unit 22 are connected to the system bus 29.

 The controller 23 can be made, for example, based on the AT89C52 microprocessor manufactured by Atmel Inc, which has a built-in non-volatile memory 24 programs with a capacity of 8 Kbytes and a built-in operational memory 25 data with a volume of 256 bytes. The image memory 26 can be implemented as a programmable read-only memory (EPROM) with electrical recording and erasing of information, for example, type AM29F016-150EC manufactured by Advanced Micro Device Inc. with a capacity of 2 MB. The communication unit 27 is designed to receive commands and information from an external control device (not shown in FIG. 3), which can be a regular personal computer. The communication unit 27 is connected to the terminals of the controller 23 for transmitting and receiving information in serial form, for example, in accordance with the RS-232 interface standard.

 The system bus 29 contains bi-directional and unidirectional communication lines, and the controller 23 is connected to it by the conclusions of the input / output ports and the outputs of the data write and read signals in accordance with the technical conditions for the microprocessor used. The concepts of input and output of the control unit 22 here show the main direction of data transmission or control signals. As a rule, to enter data from any block into the control unit 22, additional control signals must be supplied to the interrogated block. The connections for this in FIG. 3 are not shown, but will be described when considering the respective blocks.

 Block 13 sorting and storage (Fig. 4 and H) contains NC bins 30.1 ... 30. NC with nodes 31.1 ... 31.NC feed, input gate 32, color sensor 33, sorting compressor 34, compressor assembly 35, NC deflectors 36.1 ... 36.NC, switch 37 deflectors, switch 38 feed nodes, channel 39 sorting and channel 40 assembly. Each of the NC bins 30.1 ... 30.NC has an inlet 41.1. ..41.NC, linking it to sorting channel 39. The sorting and storage unit 13 in FIG. 4 is shown with the front and top walls removed.

 The sorting compressor 34 is installed so that the air flow created by it moves the assembly elements 1 from the inlet 32 connected to the inlet of the sorting and storage unit 13 along the sorting channel 39 to the hoppers 30.1. . .30.NC. Each deflector 36.J (J = 1 ... NC) is installed so that in the on state it is possible to direct the assembly element 1 moving along the sorting channel 39 from the inlet gate 32 to the corresponding hopper 30. J through its inlet 41. J. Compressor 35 the assembly is installed so that the air flow created by it moves the assembly elements 1 from the nodes 31.1. . . 31. NC feed channel 40 Assembly to the outlet of the block 13 sorting and storage. The color sensor 33 can be installed in the inlet gate 32. The outlet and inlet of the sorting and storage unit 13 are connected to the assembly pipe 15 and the disassembly pipe 17, respectively (in Fig. 4 are shown only in front view).

 The output of the color sensor 33 is connected to the output of the sorting and storage unit 13, to the input of which the inputs of the sorting compressor 34, the assembly compressor 35, the input gate 32, the deflector switch 37 and the feed node switch 38 are connected, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the nodes 31.1 ... 31 . NC feed, and the outputs of the switch 37 deflectors connected to the inputs of the deflectors 36.1 ... 36.NC.

 Further, the sorting and storage unit 13 may comprise ND position sensors 42.1 ... 42. NC of the position located in the sorting channel 39, and a position sensor polling unit 43, the inputs of which are connected to the outputs of the ND sensors 42.1 ... 42. NC position, and the output is an additional output of the sorting and storage unit 13, which is connected to an additional input of the control unit 22.

 Deflectors 36.1. . .36.NC can be made in the form of controlled pneumatic nozzles connected to a source of compressed air (not shown in Fig. 4). Examples of such nodes for changing the direction of movement of the sorted objects are given in Pat. USA N 5628411, 1997, MKI 6 07 C 5/00 and Pat. U.S. N 5779058, 1998, MKI 6 B 07 C 5/342. Another embodiment of the deflector may be an electromagnet with a movable element. Compressors 34 and 35 contain electronic circuits for turning on and off their electric motors under the action of signals from the control unit 22.

 The assembly head 14 (Fig. 5) comprises an element passage sensor 44 mounted to monitor the passage of the assembly element 1 and connected to a corresponding input of the control unit 22. In addition, the assembly head 14 is provided with an LED 45 and openings 46 for discharging air. The assembly head 14 is mounted on the carriage 47, which can be moved along the guide 19. The carriage 47 is shown conditionally. Assembly pipe 15 is hermetically attached to assembly head 14. The upper part of the assembly head 14 has the shape of a semicircle. The inner walls of the assembly head 14 may have a surface with increased friction, for example, due to roughness or an appropriate coating. In FIG. 5 also shows openings 48, which are present over the entire width of the second wall 3. The cell passage sensor 44 may include a photodiode, a preamplifier, and a comparator.

 The disassembly head 16 (Fig. 6.) is mounted on the carriage 47 together with the assembly head 14. The disassembly pipe 17 is hermetically attached to the disassembly head 16.

 The feed assembly 31. J (J = 1 ... NC), shown in section (Fig. 7), comprises an intermediate chamber 49, an upper shutter 50 having an opening 51, an upper shutter actuator unit 52, a lower shutter 53 having an opening 54 , lower flap drive unit 55, sealing elements 56. The supply unit 31.J is connected to the hopper 30.J from above and from the bottom to the assembly channel 40.

 Blocks 52 and 55 of the drive contain electromagnets with electronic circuits necessary to turn on and off these electromagnets under the action of signals from the switch 38 of the supply nodes. Sealing elements 56 provide minimal air leakage from the channel 40 of the Assembly. The intermediate chamber 49 and the drive units 52, 55 are rigidly attached to the body of the sorting and storage unit 13. The holes 51 and 54 are large enough for one assembly element 1 to pass freely through them. The intermediate chamber 49 can accommodate one assembly element 1. When the drive unit 52 is turned off, the upper shutter 50 is extended to the left as far as possible. The hole 51 of the upper shutter 50 is located under the outlet of the hopper 30.J. When the drive unit 55 is turned off, the lower shutter 53 is also extended to the left as far as possible. In this case, the hole 54 of the lower shutter 53 is located outside the intermediate chamber 49.

 The input shutter 32 (Fig. 8) contains a LED 57, a photodiode 58, a first and second stopper 59 and 60, a first and a second drive unit 61, 62 and a reference plate 63. The first and second drive units 61 and 62 contain electromagnets and electronic circuits, which turn these electromagnets on and off under the action of signals from the control unit 22. Under the action of the corresponding drive unit, the stopper 59 or 60 can be extended into the passage of the input shutter 32 or removed from this passage. In the extended state, each stop prevents the assembly elements 1 from moving, but does not significantly resist air flow. In a normal state, the first stopper 59 is extended into the passage of the inlet shutter 32, and the second stopper 60 is removed from this passage. A color sensor 33 is mounted in the input gate 32. All internal walls in the inlet gate 32 are made completely absorbing the incident light. The reference plate 63 has a white surface.

 Each of the position sensors 42.J (Fig. 9) contains an LED 64.J, a resistor 65.J, a photodiode 66.J and a preamplifier 67.J, where J takes values from "1" to ND. The number ND may be equal to the number NC, that is, the number of bins 30.J, but may also be different. The anodes of the LEDs 64.1 ... 64.ND are connected to one terminal of the corresponding resistors 65.1 ... 65.1.ND, the other terminals of which are inputs of the sensors 42.1. ..42.ND provisions. Cathodes of LEDs 64.1. ..64.ND are connected to a common bus. The conclusions of the photodiodes 66.1 ... 66.ND are connected to the inputs of the corresponding preamplifiers 67.1 ... 67.ND, the outputs of which are the outputs of the sensors 42.1 ... 42.ND position.

 Block 43 polling position sensors (Fig. 9) contains a key 68, bus 69 power, comparators 70.1 ... 70.ND, multiplexer 71, register 72. The inputs of comparators 70.1 ... 70.ND are inputs of block 43 polling position sensors, and the outputs of these comparators are connected to the corresponding inputs of the multiplexer 71, the output of which is the output of the block 43 of the survey of position sensors. One of the outputs of the key 68 is connected to the power bus 69, and the other output is an additional output of the position sensor interrogation unit 43 connected to the inputs of the position sensors 42.1 ... 42.ND. The input enable data output of the multiplexer 71 and the inputs of the register 72 are connected to the corresponding bits of the system bus 29 in the control unit 22. One of the outputs of the register 72 is connected to the control input of the key 68 ,. and the remaining outputs of the register 72 are connected to the inputs of the address of the multiplexer 71. The multiplexer 71 in addition to the multiplexer chip may contain a buffer element having an output with three states. The key 68 may be an electronic key or an electromagnetic relay.

 The color sensor 33 (Fig. 10) contains first to third photodiodes 73, 74, 75, first to third preamplifiers 76, 77, 78, first to third analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) 79, 80, 81, multiplexer 82 , register 83, light source 84, first resistor 85, key 86, power bus 87, second resistor 88, fourth preamplifier 89, and comparator 90. FIG. 10 also shows an LED 57 and a photodiode 58 structurally located in the input gate 32.

 The conclusions of the photodiodes 73. ..75 are connected to the inputs of the preamplifiers 76 ... 78, respectively, the outputs of which are through the ADC 79.. .81 are connected to the inputs of the multiplexer 82. The outputs and the input enable data output of the multiplexer 82 and the inputs of the register 83 are connected to the corresponding bits of the system bus 29 in the control unit 22. The outputs of the register 83 are connected to the input of the address of the multiplexer 82, to the control inputs of the ADC 79, 80, 81 and to the control input of the key 86. One of the outputs of the light source 84 is connected to a common bus, and the other through the first resistor 85 is connected to the first output of the key 86, the second terminal of which is connected to the power bus 87 and to the first terminal of the second resistor 88, the second terminal of which is an additional output of the color sensor 33. The inputs of the fourth preamplifier 89 are additional inputs of the color sensor 33, and the output through the comparator 90 is connected to one of the inputs of the multiplexer 82. The cathode of the LED 57 is connected to a common bus, and the anode is connected to the additional output of the color sensor 33, the additional inputs of which are connected to the terminals of the photodiode 58 .

 The light source 84 is made, for example, in the form of a discharge lamp and has a radiation spectrum close to the spectrum of white light. Photodiodes 73, 74 and 75 have spectral sensitivity characteristics with maxima in the regions of red, green and blue, respectively. These photodiodes can be implemented as a single 3-channel RGB-sensor S7505 from Hamamatsu. As ADCs 79, 80, 81, 12-bit ADCs of the AD7895 type by Analog Devices, having a conversion time of not more than 3.8 μs, an information output in serial form and a two-bit control input, one of which bits serves to supply a conversion start pulse, can be used , and another bit serves to supply clock pulses when reading the result of the conversion. The multiplexer 82 in addition to the multiplexer chip may contain an output buffer element having an output with three states. The key 86 may be an electronic key or an electromagnetic relay. The output of the register 83, connected to the input address of the multiplexer 82, contains at least two bits.

 The deflector switch 37 contains NC electronic or electromechanical keys for supplying voltage to the deflectors 36.1 ... 36 included. NC electromagnets or controlled pneumatic nozzles, as well as a register for recording and storing the control code coming from the control unit 22, and connected to it register decoder for the selective inclusion of one of the NC keys.

 The switch nodes 38 contains 2xNC electronic or electromechanical keys for supplying voltage to the blocks 52 and 55 of the drive (Fig. 7) in the nodes 31.1. ..31.NC, as well as registers for recording the control code coming from the control unit 22, and decoders connected to these registers for selectively switching on one or two drive units in one of the supply nodes 31.1 ... 31.NC.

 The block diagram of the program of the device for forming images according to the first embodiment (Fig. 11) contains blocks 91 ... 98 of the program, the block diagram of the subroutine disassembly and sorting (Fig. 12) - blocks 99 ... 106 of the program, block diagram subroutines for disassembling and sorting a number of assembly elements (Fig. 13) - program blocks 107 ... 130, a block diagram of an image forming routine (Fig. 14) contains program blocks 131 ... 137, a block diagram of a routine for laying a number of assembly elements ( Fig. 15) contains blocks 138 ... 151 of the program.

 The device for forming images according to the second embodiment (Fig. 16 and 17) contains a first wall 2 and a second wall 3, between which a gap is formed, filled with assembly elements 1, a shelf 8, located between the first and second walls 2 and 3 and equipped with a shelf drive, comprising drive units 9, 10 connected to shelf 8 by mechanical connections 11, 12, an intermediate hopper 152, a sorting and storage unit 153, a conveyor comprising an assembly head 154 connected by an assembly pipe 155 to an outlet of the sorting and storage unit 153, a drive 156 conveyor, the guide 157, the side walls 20 and 21, which fasten the first and second walls 2 and 3, at least one of which is transparent, and the control unit 158. The inlet of the sorting and storage unit 153 is connected to an intermediate hopper 152 arranged to move assembly elements 1 into it from the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3.

 The corresponding outputs of the control unit 158 are connected to the input of the shelf drive formed by the inputs of the drive units 9, 10, the input of the conveyor drive 156 and the input of the sorting and storage unit 153. The control unit 158 is made similarly to the control unit 22 in the device according to the first embodiment. Structurally, the control unit 158 may be located, for example, on the outside of the second wall 3 or inside the sorting and storage unit 153 (not shown in FIG. 16).

 The first, second and side walls 2, 3, 20 and 21 form the body of the device. The shelf 8 can move under the action of the blocks 9, 10 of the drive in the vertical direction and lower into the intermediate hopper 152, as will be described later. The head 154 can move under the action of the conveyor drive 156 along the upper boundary of the gap between the first wall 2 and the second wall 3 along the guide 157. The execution of the head 154 is similar to the assembly head 14 in the device according to the first embodiment. A sensor 44 for passing an element is installed in the head 154, the output of which is connected to the input of the control unit 158. The pipe 155 can be made in the form of a flexible hose so that its end connected to the head 154 moves with it.

 The implementation of the assembly elements 1, the first wall 2, the second wall 3, blocks 9 and 10 of the drive and mechanical connections 11 and 12 are the same as in the device according to the first embodiment. The conveyor drive 156 and the guide 157 are basically similar to the corresponding nodes in the device according to the first embodiment, but only one head 154 is moved.

 The gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3 is open in the intermediate hopper 152 (Fig. 18). At the first wall 2 below the exit from the specified gap there is at least one stop 159, the upper surface of which has an inclination inward of the intermediate hopper 152 and the protrusion 160. The shelf 8 has at least one vertical plate 161, for example, in the place of fastening of the mechanical connection 11 ( this structural element is also present in the device according to the first embodiment).

 Block 153 sorting and storage (Fig. 19 and 17) contains NC bins 30.1. . . 30.NC with nodes 31.1 ... 31.NC supply, input gate 162, color sensor 33, sorting compressor 34, assembly compressor 35, NC deflectors 36.1 ... 36.NC, sorting control unit 163, deflector switch 37, switch 38 feed nodes, sorting channel 39 and assembly channel 40. Each of the NC bins 30.1 ... 30.NC has an inlet 41.1 ... 41.NC, connecting it with the channel 39 sorting. The sorting compressor 34 is installed so that the air flow created by it moves the assembly elements 1 from the inlet 32, connected to the inlet of the sorting and storage unit 13, through the sorting channel 39 to the bins 30.1 ... 30.NC. Each deflector 36.J (J - 1 ... NC) is installed so that in the on state it is possible to direct the assembly element 1 moving along the sorting channel 39 from the input gate 32 to the corresponding hopper 30.J through its input hole 41.J. The assembly compressor 35 is installed so that the air flow created by it moves the assembly elements 1 from the supply units 31.1 ... 31.NC along the assembly channel 40 to the outlet of the sorting and storage unit 13 connected to the pipeline 155 (in Fig. 19 it is shown only in front view). A color sensor 32 may be installed in the input gate 162.

 The input of the sorting and storage unit 153 is connected to the inputs of the assembly compressor 35 and the switch 38 of the supply units and to the start input of the sorting control unit 163, the input of which is connected to the output of the color sensor 33, and the corresponding outputs are connected to the inputs of the sorting compressor 34, the input gate 162, and the switch 37 deflectors, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the NC deflectors 36.1 ... 36.NC, and the outputs of the switch 38 of the supply nodes are connected to the inputs of the NC nodes 31.1 ... 31.NC supply.

 The sorting and storage unit 153 may contain ND position sensors 42.1 ... 42.NC located in the sorting channel 39, and a position sensor polling unit 43, the inputs of which are connected to the outputs of the ND position sensors 42.1 ... 42.NC, and the output is connected with the corresponding input of the sort control block 163.

 Sort control block 163 comprises a controller 164, the execution of which may be the same as in control block 158. Structurally, the sorting control unit 163 may be located inside the sorting and storage unit 153 (not shown in FIG. 19). The remaining blocks included in block 153 sorting and storage, with the exception of the input gate 162 are similar to the corresponding nodes in block 13 sorting and storage in the device according to the first embodiment.

 The input gate 162 according to the second embodiment of the invention (Fig. 20) comprises a rotor 165 and a rotor drive 166 containing a stepper motor and electronic circuits for turning this motor on and off under the influence of signals from the sorting control unit 163 (not shown in Figs. 20 and 17) . The design provides a minimum gap between the rotor blades 165 and the walls of the inlet shutter 162. The dimensions of the chambers between the rotor blades 165 are sufficient to accommodate one assembly element 1. In the walls of the inlet shutter 162 are a color sensor 33, LED 57, photodiode 58 and reference plate 63, which are made the same as in the device according to the first embodiment. In addition, in the wall of the block 153 sorting and storage next to the inlet gate 162 there are openings 167 for air inlet.

 Designs of gates of this type are described, for example, in the book of Zenkov R.L. and other cars of continuous transport. M.: Mechanical Engineering, 1987, p. 340, and also in Pat. U.S. N 4231495, 1980, MKI 6 G 01 F 11/10.

 The block diagram of the program of the device according to the second embodiment (Fig. 21) contains blocks 168 ... 178 of the program, and the block diagram of the subroutine for the device for the second embodiment (Fig. 22) contains blocks 179 ... 196 of the program.

 The imaging device according to the third embodiment (Figs. 23 and 24) comprises a first wall 2 and a second wall 3, between which a gap is formed, filled with assembly elements 1, a shelf 197 with a shelf drive 198 located in the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3, at least one of which is transparent, an intermediate hopper 199, a sorting and storage unit 200, an assembly unit 201, an inlet of which is connected by a conveyor 202 to an outlet of a sorting and storage unit 200, an assembly unit drive 203 guiding 204, side walls 20 and 21, which fasten the first and second walls 2 and 3, control unit 205.

The corresponding outputs of the control unit 205 are connected to
the inputs of the drive 203 of the assembly unit, the drive 198 of the shelf, the sorting and storage unit 200 and the assembly unit 201.

 The shelf 197 is made rotatable around the longitudinal axis with the possibility of fixing in a horizontal position under the action of the drive 198 of the shelf and with the possibility of moving the assembly elements 1 on it to the intermediate hopper 199, which is connected to the inlet of the sorting and storage unit 200. The assembly block 201 is arranged to move under the action of the drive 203 of the assembly block along the upper boundary of the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3 along the guide 204.

 In addition, in this embodiment of the device for forming images between the first and second walls 2 and 3, vertical or inclined dividers 206 can be installed that limit the displacements of the assembly elements 1 in the horizontal direction, and S assembly elements fit horizontally between two adjacent dividers 206 1. In FIG. 25 shows the case S = 3. The dividers 206 can be made in the form of thin walls or in the form of protrusions on the first wall 2 or on the second wall 3.

 In addition, in the device for forming images between the first and second walls 2 and 3, sections 207 (Fig. 23) with increased resistance to movement of the assembly elements 1 can be created, formed, for example, by sticking strips of some fleecy material on the second wall 3.

 The control unit 205 is made similar to the control unit 22 in the device according to the first embodiment. Structurally, the control unit 205 may be located, for example, on the outside of the second wall 3 or inside the sorting and storage unit 200 (not shown in FIG. 23).

 The implementation of the elements 1 is the same as in the device according to the first embodiment. Conveyor 202 may be in the form of a flexible hose. The drive 198 shelves may contain an electromagnet with a moving core and electronic circuits for turning on and off this electromagnet under the action of signals from the control unit 205.

 Block 200 sorting and storage (Fig. 26) contains NC bins 30.1 ... 30. NC with shutters 208.1 ... 208 NC, input gate 162, 33 color sensor, sorting compressor 34, replenishing compressor 209, NC deflectors 36.1 ... 36.NC, sorting control unit 163, deflector switch 37, shutter switch 210, channel 39 sorting and channel 211 replenishment. Each of the NC bins 30.1 ... 30.NC has an inlet 41.1 ... 41.NC, connecting it with the channel 39 sorting. The sorting and storage unit 200 of FIG. 26 is shown with front and top walls removed.

 The sorting compressor 34 is installed so that the air flow created by it moves the assembly elements 1 from the inlet 32 connected to the inlet of the sorting and storage unit 13 along the sorting channel 39 to the hoppers 30.1. ..30.NC. Each deflector 36.J (J = 1 ... NC) is installed so that in the on state it is possible to direct the assembly element 1 moving along the sorting channel 39 from the input gate 32 to the corresponding hopper 30.J through its input hole 41.J. The recharge compressor 35 is installed so that the air flow created by it moves the assembly elements 1 from the shutters 208.1. . .208.NC via the replenishment channel 211 to the outlet of the sorting and storage unit 200 associated with the conveyor 202 (shown in Fig. 26 only in front view). A color sensor 32 may be installed in the input gate 162.

 The input of the sorting and storage unit 200 is connected to the inputs of the recharge compressor 209 and the gate switch 210 and to the start input of the sorting control unit 163, the input of which is connected to the output of the color sensor 33, and the corresponding outputs are connected to the inputs of the sorting compressor 34, the input gate 162, and the switch 37 deflectors, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the NC deflectors 36.1 ... 36.NC, and the outputs of the gate switch 210 are connected to the inputs of the NC gates 208.1 ... 208. NC.

 Further, the sorting and storage unit 200 may comprise ND position sensors 42.1 ... .42.ND located in the sorting channel 39, and a position sensor polling unit 43, the inputs of which are connected to the outputs of the ND sensors 42.1 ... 42. ND position, and the output is connected to the corresponding input of block sorting control 163.

 Sort control block 163 comprises a controller 164 and is configured in the same way as in the device of the second embodiment. Structurally, the sorting control unit 163 can be located inside the sorting and storage unit 200 (not shown in FIG. 26).

 Each shutter 208.J may contain, for example, a shutter that blocks the exit from the hopper 30. J to the replenishment channel 211, and an electromagnetic actuator that opens and closes the shutter under the action of control signals. The remaining blocks included in the sorting and storage unit 200 are similar to the corresponding blocks in the sorting and storage unit 153 in the device according to the second embodiment.

 Assembly block 201 (Fig. 27) comprises a distributor 212, NC of hoppers 213.1 ... 213.NC with feed nodes 214.1 ... 214.NC and a feed switch 215. Each feed unit 214.J associates a respective hopper 213.J with an outlet 216 of the assembly unit. The distributor 212 is connected to the inlet 217 of the assembly unit 201 through the separator 218 and is configured to direct the assembly elements 1 to each of the NC bins 213.1 ... 213.NC. The input of the assembly unit 201 (Fig. 24) is connected to the inputs of the distributor 212 and the switch 215 of the supply nodes, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the NC nodes 214.1. . . 214.NC Filing. The assembly unit 201 is mounted on the guide 204 (shown conditionally in FIG. 27) and can be moved along it under the action of the assembly unit drive 203. The outlet 216 is located above the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3. In FIG. 27 also shows a bell 219 facilitating the entry of the assembly elements 1 from the assembly block 201 into the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3.

 Assembly block 201 also contains (Fig. 27) 2xNC sensors 220.1 ... 220.NC and 221.1. . .221.NC filling and block 222 polling filling sensors, the inputs of which are connected to the outputs 2xNC sensors 220.1 ... 220.NC and 221.1 ... 221.NC filling, and the output is the output of block 201 of the assembly connected to the input of block 205 of the control . Each filling sensor 220.J and 221.J may include an LED and a photodiode located on opposite walls of hopper 213. J, and the necessary auxiliary electronic elements (filling sensors are shown conditionally in FIG. 27). Block 222 polling fill sensors can be performed similarly to block 43 polling position sensors in the device according to the first embodiment (Fig. 9). Sensors 220.1..220.NC control the upper level of filling elements 1 of the bins 213.1 ... 213.NC, and sensors 221.1 ... 221.NC control the lower level of filling elements 1 of the bins 213.1 ... 213.NC. As a separator 218, any known construction can be used (Zenkov R. L. et al. Continuous Transport Machines. M: Mechanical Engineering, 1987, p. 342). The bins 213.1 ... 213.NC., Nodes 214.1 ... 214.NC feed and the switch 215 feed nodes are made similar to the corresponding nodes in block 13 sorting and storage in the device according to the first embodiment.

 The distributor 212 (Fig. 28) contains an inlet 223, (NC-1) of the shutters 224.1 ... 224. (NC-1), NC of the outlet 225.1 ... 225.NC. The inlet 223 is located under the outlet of the separator 218. The outlets 225.1 ... 225.NC are located above the inlets of the respective bins 213.1 ... 213.NC. Each shutter 224.1 ... 224.NC can be in the open (vertical) or closed (inclined) state, and the shutters are rotated from open to closed and vice versa under the control of signals from control unit 205 using the corresponding actuators. These drives can be located inside the distributor 212 (not shown in FIG. 28), each of which may contain a stepper motor or electromagnet and corresponding electronic circuits. In this case, NC = 5, that is, the image consists of elements of five colors.

 The block diagram of the program of operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment (Fig. 29) contains blocks 226 to 236 of the program, the block diagram of the subprogram of image formation (Fig. 30) contains blocks 237 to 245 of the program, the block diagram of the column laying routine image (Fig. 31) contains blocks 246 to 255 of the program, the block diagram of the replenishment subroutine of assembly elements in the assembly block (Fig. 32) - blocks 256 to 268 of the program.

 The device for forming images according to the fourth embodiment (Figs. 33 and 34) comprises a first wall 2, a second wall 3, between which a gap is formed, filled by assembly elements 1, M of shelves 269 located in the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3, each at least one of which is transparent, a door 270 covering the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3 on one of the sides, an intermediate hopper 271, a sorting and storage unit 272, a conveyor comprising a head 273 connected by a pipe 274 to an outlet opening TIFA sorting unit 272 and the storage drive head 275, guide 276, actuator 277 and door control section 278.

 The outputs of the control unit 278 are connected to the inputs of the head drive 275, the door drive 277, and the sorting and storage unit 272. The transparency of the first wall 2 can be achieved, for example, by the presence of holes in it. The door 270 is made with the possibility of opening and closing under the action of the door drive 277 so that when the door 270 is open, it is possible to move the assembly elements 1 from the M shelves 269 into the intermediate hopper 271, which is connected to the inlet of the sorting and storage unit 272. The head 273 is arranged to move under the action of the head drive 275 along the boundary between the first and second walls 2 and 3 from the side opposite the door 270 along the guide 276. On the M shelves 269, the ends remote from the door 270 are higher than the ends adjoining to door 270.

 The control unit 278 is made similar to the control unit 22 in the device according to the first embodiment. Structurally, the control unit 278 may be located, for example, on the outside of the second wall 3 or inside the sorting and storage unit 272 (not shown in FIG. 33).

 The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment may also include an element passing sensor 44 installed in the head 273, the output of which is connected to the corresponding input of the control unit 278.

 The implementation of this sensor is the same as in the device according to the first embodiment. The implementation of the assembly elements 1, the first and second walls 2 and 3, the head 273 and the pipe 274 are basically the same as the corresponding nodes in the device according to the first embodiment. The difference of this option is that the head 273 is oriented horizontally, and the guide 276 is vertically. The execution of the drive 275 of the head and block 272 sorting and storage is the same as the corresponding nodes in the device according to the second embodiment. The door drive 277 may include a stepper motor with a gearbox and electronic circuits for turning this motor on and off under the action of signals from the control unit 278.

 The block diagram of the program of operation of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment (Fig. 35) contains program blocks 279 ... 289, the block diagram of the image forming routine for the device according to the fourth embodiment (Fig. 36) contains program blocks 290 ... 297 , the block diagram of the routine of laying a number of assembly elements for the device according to the fourth embodiment (Fig. 37) contains blocks 298 ... 309 of the program.

 Device operation (options).

 The operation of the device for forming images according to the first embodiment (Fig. 2.) is based on the formation of the image from the assembly elements 1, which are located in block 13 sorting and storage before forming. The shelf 8 is in the upper position slightly below the upper edge of the second wall 3. The assembly head 14 is located at one of the edges of the guide 19.

 In accordance with the imaging program, the assembly elements 1 of the desired colors are selected one after another in the sorting and storage unit 13 and, under the action of the air flow generated in the sorting and storage unit 13, are moved along the assembly pipe 15 to the assembly head 14. When moving along a curved path in the assembly head 14 (Fig. 5), the assembly element 1 is pressed from the inside to its upper wall. At the same time, its speed is extinguished due to friction against the wall. Air exits through openings 46, its effect on the assembly element 1 decreases, and the latter moves with reduced speed from the assembly head 14 between the walls 2 and 3 and takes its place in the stacked row of assembly elements 1. Excess air exits through the gaps between the edges of the head assembly 14 and the walls 2, 3 and through holes 48. After laying each assembly element 1, the assembly head 14 moves along the guide 19 by a distance equal to its size. The disassembly head 16 moves with the assembly head 14.

 After the first row of assembly elements 1 is completely laid on shelf 8, shelf 8 is lowered to a distance equal to the height of this row. Then, the assembly head 14 returns to its initial position and again moves along the guide 19, laying the second row of assembly elements 1 on the first row with a horizontal shift by half the size of the assembly element 1. As a result, an image is formed starting from the bottom row of assembly elements 1. After completion imaging shelf 8 is in the lower position. A variant is possible in which the movement of the shelf 8 is carried out not after laying each row of assembly elements 1, but less often, for example, after laying each two rows. The total number of stacked rows depending on the image being formed may be different.

 The image is disassembled in the reverse order. The disassembly head 16 starts moving from one of the ends of the guide 19. The air flow generated in the sorting and storage unit 13 draws one after another the assembly elements 1 from the upper row into the disassembly head 16. Air is drawn in through openings 48 (Fig. 6) and the gaps between the disassembly head 16 and the walls 2 and 3. Further, the assembly elements 1 under the action of the air flow move through the disassembly pipe 17 to the sorting and storage unit 13, in which they are sorted by color and stored. After removing each assembly element 1, the disassembly head 17 moves along the guide 19 by a distance equal to its size. The assembly head 14 moves with the disassembly head 16.

 After disassembling each row of assembly elements 1, shelf 8 rises to a distance equal to the height of this row. The disassembly head 17 returns to its initial position and again moves along the guide 19, disassembling the next row. After the disassembly of the image is completed, the shelf 8 is in the upper position, and all the assembly elements 1 are in the sorting and storage unit 13.

 In block 13 sorting and storage (Fig. 4) before the start of image formation, each hopper 30.1 ... 30.NC contains the assembly elements 1 of one of the colors. All nodes 31.1 ... 31.NC feed closed. The sorting compressor 34 and the assembly compressor 35 are turned off. All deflectors 36.1. 36.NC off.

 At the beginning of the imaging process, the assembly compressor 35 is turned on. Air flow moves from the assembly compressor 35 through the assembly channel 40, and then through the assembly pipe 15 to the assembly head 14. To fit one assembly element 1 into the formed image, the feeding unit 31.J is opened in the hopper 30.J, which contains the assembly elements 1 of the desired color. In this case, the signal from the control units 22 (Fig. 3) through the switch 38 of the supply nodes turns on the drive unit 52 in the hopper 30.J (Fig.7). The upper shutter 50 moves to the right, and the hole 51 extends beyond the intermediate chamber 49. As a result, the upper shutter 50 blocks the path from the hopper 30.J to the intermediate chamber 49, in which one assembly element 1 remains.

 After a period of time sufficient to move the upper damper 50 to the extreme right position (in Fig. 7), the drive unit 55 is turned on by a signal from the control unit 22. In this case, the lower shutter 53 moves to the right, and the hole 54 is under the intermediate chamber 49. As a result, the assembly element 1 from the intermediate chamber falls into the assembly channel 40. After a delay of the time required for the assembly element 1 to exit from the intermediate chamber 49, the feed unit 31.J is closed. In this case, the drive unit 55 is turned off by a signal from the control unit 22. The lower shutter 53 returns to its leftmost position, blocking the lower opening of the intermediate chamber 49. After the time required to complete the movement of the lower shutter 53, the drive unit 52 is turned off. The upper damper 50 returns to its leftmost position, allowing access to the next assembly element 1 in the intermediate chamber 49. Meanwhile, air flow transfers the assembly element 1 through the assembly channel 40, and then through the assembly pipe 15 to the assembly head 14. Similar operations are performed when laying all the assembly elements 1.

 Before starting the disassembly of the image in block 13 sorting and storage of all nodes 31.1. ..31.NC filing closed. The sorting compressor 34 and the assembly compressor 35 are turned off. All deflectors 36.1 ... 36.NC are off. At the beginning of the disassembly of the image turns on the compressor 34 sorting. Assembly elements 1, one after the other, move along the disassembly pipe 17 to the inlet of the sorting and storage unit 13 and enter the inlet gate 32 (Fig. 8). The next assembly element 1 reaches the extended first stopper 59, stops and blocks the radiation from the LED 57 to the photodiode 58. In this case, the light from the light source 84 in the element color sensor 33 (Fig. 10) is scattered by the surface of the assembly element 1 and partially enters the photodiodes 73, 74.75 in a 33-color sensor. The control unit 22 by the signal from the photodiode 58 determines the presence of the assembly element 1 in the input gate 32, and by the signals from the color sensor 33 determines its color. Relevant programs will be described later.

 Under the action of the signal from the control unit 22, the first drive unit 61 is turned on and removes the first stopper 59. The assembly element 1 continues to move along the sorting channel 39 under the influence of the air flow. At the same time, under the action of the signal from the control unit 22, the second drive unit 62 turns on and pushes out the second stopper 60, which prevents the movement of the next assembly element 1. After a predetermined delay time, the control unit 22 turns off the drive units 61 and 62, as a result of which the first stopper 59 extends, and the second stopper 60 is removed and permits the passage of the next assembly element 1 to the first stopper 59. In this way, the assembly elements 1 are fed one at a time to the sorting channel 39 and the color of each of them is determined in a hundred dartizirovannyh conditions.

 Then, the control unit 22 through the baffle switch 37 includes a deflector 36.J corresponding to the color of the assembly element 1 that has passed the input shutter 32. The assembly element 1, moved by the air flow through the sorting channel 39, reaches the deflector 36.J, and changes the direction of movement through the input hole 41. J enters hopper 30.J. The remaining assembly elements 1 are sorted similarly. After the image is disassembled, the sorting compressor 34 is turned off. The function of sensors 42.1 ... 42.NC position will be discussed later.

 The program executed by the controller 23 in the control unit 22 (Fig. 11) is launched after power-up (block 91). The program forms a closed loop that runs until the power is turned off. At the beginning of the cycle, the controller 23 waits for a command through the communication unit 27 and receives the command (block 92). These operations are programmed in accordance with the rules of the interface used, for example, RS-232. Next, the controller 23 determines which command is received and proceeds to the execution of the corresponding subroutine.

If in block 93 of the program it is established that a command to parse the image is received, then the controller 23 executes the sub-routine 94 of disassembling and sorting (see Fig. 12);
If it is established in program block 95 that a command to receive an image has been received, then subroutine 96 is executed, which receives image information received from an external control device via communication channel 28 and communication unit 27, and writes this information to image memory 26. The image is represented in the program as an array of color numbers of all the assembly elements 1 constituting the image. The number of color numbers is equal to the number of bins 30 in the sorting and storage unit 13, that is, the number of NC. Further, we assume that the color number J is represented by an 8-bit binary number, i.e., one byte. Subprogram 96 is constructed in accordance with the rules of the interface used in the communication unit 27, for example, the RS-232 interface. A detailed description of this routine is not given, since such routines are widely known.

 If it is determined in program block 97 that an image forming command has been received, then the image forming subroutine 98 is executed (see FIG. 14).

 In the block diagram of the subassembly 94 sorting and sorting (Fig. 12) are indicated: N is the number of disassembled series of assembly elements 1, NM is the total number of rows in the image.

 After entering the subprogram (block 99), the value M = 1 (block 100) is set, after which the subprogram enters the cycle of blocks 101 ... 105. At each pass of this cycle, one row of assembly elements 1 is disassembled and sorted. The cycle begins with the calibration of the 33 color sensor (subroutine 101). Then, the subroutine 102 for disassembling and sorting a number of assembly elements 1 is executed (see Fig. 13). Next, in block 103, the program checks whether all the rows of the assembly elements 1 are disassembled. If the answer to this question is no, then signals are sent to drive units 9 and 10, causing the shelf 8 to rise to the height of one row of assembly elements 1 (block 104), and the number of the row to be disassembled is increased by 1 (block 105). If in block 103 a positive answer is received, then subroutine 94 terminates (block 106).

 When the calibration routine 101 of the color sensor 33 is executed, the light source 84 is turned on (FIG. 10). To do this, the controller 23 writes to the register 83 a code that ensures the key 86 is closed. The light from the light source 84 is scattered by the reference plate 63 (Fig. 8) and enters the photodiodes 73, 74, 75. Next, the controller 23 sequentially reads the values of the signals R, G, B with 33 color sensor. To obtain digital data on the amount of luminous flux incident on any of the photodiodes 73, 74, 75, a short pulse is first applied to the first bits of the control inputs of the ADC 79, 80, 81, initiating the implementation of analog-to-digital conversion. For this purpose, “1” is first written to the corresponding bit of register 83, and “0” is written to this bit after a short time interval. After the time delay necessary to complete the analog-to-digital conversion, a sequence of twelve clock pulses is fed to the second bits of the control inputs of the ADC 79, 80, 81, each of which produces another binary bit of the result at the output of each ADC 79, 80, 81 transformations. Clock pulses are formed by repeating twelve times in turn the entries in the corresponding register register 83 units and zeros. A sequence of twelve clock pulses is repeated three times. At the same time, control codes are provided to the multiplexer 82 through the register 83, which ensure that the data is transmitted to the output of the multiplexer 82 first from the first ADC 79, then from the second ADC 80 and, finally, from the third ADC 81. The controller 23 stores the obtained values in the variables RC, GC, BC. Then, the light source 84 is turned off.

 In the block diagram of the subroutine 102 for disassembling and sorting a number of assembly elements 1 (Fig. 13), R, G, B are the values of red, green, and blue signals received in the 33 color sensor, J is the color number of the element, and K is the number completed waiting cycles for the assembly element 1 to enter the input gate 32, KM is the maximum number of indicated waiting cycles, T1 is the time delay when the specified waiting cycle is completed, T2 is the time delay after the deflector 36.J is turned on, necessary for the assembly element 1 to enter the hopper 30 .J.

 After entering the subroutine (block 107), the disassembly head 16 is moved to the beginning of the disassembled row (block 108). Features of this operation are determined by the implementation of the drive 18 heads. This takes into account that the even and odd rows of the assembly elements 1 are shifted horizontally relative to each other. Then the variable K is assigned the value 0 (block 109). Further, the controller 23 includes a light source 84 and an LED 57 (Fig. 10), LEDs 64.1. ..64.NC (Fig. 9) in the sensors 42.1 ... 42.NC position and sorting compressor 34 (block 110), writing in the register 83 (Fig. 10) the code that provides the closure of the key 86, in the register 72 (Fig. . 9) - the code that provides the closure of the key 68, and sending to the compressor 34 sorting code to ensure its inclusion.

 Then the program proceeds to the execution of the cycle of blocks 111 ... 122, in each pass of which sorting of one assembly element 1 and its placement in the corresponding hopper 30.J. The cycle begins by checking the presence of the assembly element 1 in the input gate 32 (block 111). In this case, the controller 23 through the multiplexer 82 checks the voltage level at the output of the comparator 90 (Fig. 10), which compares the voltage at the output of the preamplifier 89 with a threshold value. If there is an assembly element 1 in the input gate 32, then the indicated voltage level corresponds to the logical “1”, and the logical block 111 gives a positive answer. In this case, the variable K is assigned the value "0" (block 112). Then, the controller 23 reads the values of the signals R, G, B from the color sensor 33 (block 113). This operation has been described previously.

Next, the controller 23 executes the color number determination routine 114, which returns the value J — the color number that defines the hopper 30.J into which the sorted assembly element 1 should be placed. In the routine 114, the normalized values of the primary color signals RN, GN, BN are calculated:
RN = Floor (16 • KR • R / RC), GN = Floor (16 • KG • G / GC),
BN = Floor (16 • KB • B / BC),
where R, G, B are the voltage values from the color sensor 33 obtained in the program block 113, RC, GC, BC are the voltage values from the 33 color sensors obtained in the calibration routine 101; KR <1, KG, <1, KB <1 - positive coefficients determined experimentally and allowing to take into account the difference in the distances from the sensor 33 of the color of the element to the reference plate 63 and to the assembly element 1; Floor (x) - the operation of rounding the number "x" to the nearest smaller than "x" integer. The result is three integers RN, GN, BN, each of which varies in the range from "0" to "15" and is represented in binary form by four bits. The numbers RN, GN, BN are combined into one 12-bit binary number AC, which is used as an address when accessing the color table previously recorded in the program memory 24. The controller 23 reads the color number J from the color table cell with the calculated AC number and stores it in the corresponding variable.

 The color table in this exemplary embodiment contains “4096” cells, each of which has a color number. Let us illustrate the construction of the color table using an example. Let the elements of "16" colors be used, that is, the color number J = "0... 15". Let, for example, the number J = "0" be set for black image elements. Then the value "0" is recorded in the cells of the color table with the binary addresses "000000000000", "000000000001", "000000010000", "000100000000", "000000010001", etc., that is, in those cells whose address the speaker can get when determining the color of the black assembly elements 1 by performing the above measurements and calculations. The scatter of values obtained by measuring the color of the same balls is due to measurement errors. Similarly, for each color, the value of its number J is recorded in the cells of the color table, the addresses of which can be obtained when determining the color of the assembly element 1 that actually has a color with this number J. Thus, the whole set of "4096" possible addresses of the color table is divided into subsets of addresses. In the cells of the color table relating to a specific subset of addresses, the corresponding color number is written J.

 Then, the controller 23 instructs to open the input gate 32 (block 115). The operations performed in this case have been described previously. As a result, the assembly element 1 begins to move along the channel 39 sorting. Next, the controller 23 through the block 43 of the survey of position sensors (Fig. 9) continuously checks the status of the sensor 42. J position, monitoring the voltage at the output of the comparator 70. J (block 116). To do this, the controller 23 through the system bus 29 writes to the register 72 a control code that provides the closed state of the key 68 and transmission to the output of the voltage level multiplexer 71 from its input connected to the output of the comparator 70.J. Until the assembly element 1 reaches the position sensor 4.2.J, the radiation from the LED 65.J passes to the photodiode 66.J, and a logical “0” is present at the indicated input of the multiplexer 71, and the program block 116 gives a negative answer. In this case, the program block 116 is executed again.

 When the sortable assembly element 1 blocks the radiation flux incident on the photodiode 66.J, a logical “1” appears at the indicated input of the multiplexer 71, the program block 116 gives a positive answer. After that, the controller 23 includes a deflector 36.J, sending for this purpose the corresponding control code to the switch 37 of the deflectors (block 117). Then, the controller 23 maintains a predetermined time T2 sufficient for the sortable assembly 1 to change its direction of action under the action of the deflector 36.J and enter the inlet 41.J of the corresponding hopper 30.J (block 118). After the delay, the controller 23 turns off the deflector 36.J (block 119) and closes the input gate 32 (block 120). If the deflectors 36.1 ... 36.NC are based on electromagnets, then the inclusion of the deflector 36.J can be performed immediately after opening the input shutter 32, and the sensors 42.1 ... 42.NC are not needed.

 In block 121 of the program, the controller 23 checks whether the disassembly head 16 has reached the end of the disassembled row by interrogating the corresponding end sensor. If the specified event has not yet occurred, then the program block 121 gives a negative answer, and the controller 23 provides control signals to the drive 18 of the heads, causing the disassembly head 16 to be displaced by a distance equal to the size of one assembly element 1 (block 122). If the assembly head 16 has reached the end of the row being disassembled, then the program block 121 gives a positive answer, and the program block 122 is not executed. In both cases described, then the transition to the beginning of the cycle to block 111 of the program is performed.

 If the block 111 of the program gave a negative answer, that is, the assembly element 1 is absent in the input gate 32, then a transition to the block 123 of the program is performed, in which the delay for the time T1 is performed. After that, the variable K is increased by one (block 124) and the current value of the variable K is compared with the specified maximum value KM (block 125). If the KM value has not yet been reached, the program returns to block 111 and again checks for the presence of the assembly element 1 in the input gate 32. Otherwise, it passes to the program block 126, in which it is checked whether the disassembly head 16 has reached the end of the disassembled row. If the answer to this question is no, then the disassembly head 16 is shifted by a distance equal to the size of the assembly element 1 (block 127), then the variable K is assigned the value "0" (block 128), and the program returns to block 111. If in block 126 If the program received a positive answer, then in the block 129 of the program, the light source 84 and the LED 57 (Fig. 10), the LEDs 64.1 ... 64.1.NC (Fig. 9), and the sorting compressor 34 are turned off. The subroutine 102 of disassembling and sorting a number of assembly elements ends (block 130).

 In the block diagram of the imaging routine 98 (Fig. 14) are indicated: N is the number of stacked rows of assembly elements I, NM is the total number of rows in the image.

 After entering the subroutine (block 131), the variable N is assigned the value "1" (block 132). Then, a cycle of blocks 133 ... 136 is executed NM times. In each pass of the cycle, the routine 133 of laying a number of assembly elements 1 is executed. Then, in block 134 of the program, a check is performed to determine whether the stacked row of assembly elements 1 is the last. If the answer to this question is no, then the command is given to lower the shelf 8 by a distance equal to the height of one row of assembly elements 1 (block 135), and the value of N increases by "1" (block 136). If the last row is laid, then the transition to block 137 is performed, and the routine 98 completes its work.

 In the block diagram of the routine 133 of laying a number of assembly elements (Fig. 15) and in the text explaining it, L: is the number of assembly element 1 in the stacked row, LM is the number of assembly elements 1 in the stacked row, J is the color number of assembly element 1, AC - the address in the memory of 26 images.

 After entering the subroutine (block 138)), the assembly head 16 is moved to the beginning of the stacked row (block 139). The features of this operation were mentioned above. Then, the controller 23 includes an assembly compressor 35 (block 140). The variable L is assigned the value "1" (block 141).

Then a cycle of blocks 142 ... 149 is executed, in each pass of which one assembly element 1 is added to the image. In block 142 of the program, the controller 23 calculates the color AC address of the next image element in the image memory 26:
AC = (N-1) • LM + L-1,
where it is assumed that the array of color numbers in the image memory 26 is located starting from the zero address, and each color number occupies one byte. Then, the controller 23 reads the color number J of the next image element from the memory cell 26 of the image with the calculated AC address (block 143), after which it instructs to open the feed unit 31.J in the hopper 30.J (block 144), sending the corresponding control signals to the switch 38 feed units (operation of the feed unit has been described previously). As a result, one assembly element 1, having a color with the number J, enters the assembly channel 40 and begins to move towards the assembly head 14 under the influence of air flow. Meanwhile, the controller 23 cyclically polls the element passage sensor 44 (block 145). As soon as it is discovered that the assembly element 1 has passed the assembly head 14, the controller 23 instructs to close the feed unit 31.J (block 146).

 Next, the controller 23 checks whether all the assembly elements 1 of the stacked row are stacked (block 147). If not all, then the assembly head 14 is displaced by a distance equal to the size of one assembly element 1 (block 148), and the value of the variable L is increased by "1" (block 149), after which the program returns to the beginning of the cycle to block 142 of the program . If the block 147 of the program gives a positive answer, then the controller 23 turns off the compressor 35 assembly (block 150) and the execution of the subroutine is completed in block 151.

 The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment (Fig. 16) is based on the formation of the image from the elements 1, which are located in the sorting and storage unit 153 and, possibly, partially, in the intermediate hopper 152. before image formation, the image formation, including the operation of the block 153 sorting and storage is carried out in the same way as in the device according to the first embodiment.

 To disassemble the image, the shelf 8 is lowered into the intermediate hopper 152 to the stop 159 (Fig. 18), upon reaching which, it tilts, and all the assembly elements 1 are moved by the gravity into the intermediate hopper 152. The protrusion 160 ensures a stable position of the shelf 8 on the upper surface of the stop 159. The plate 161 prevents the tilting of the shelf 8 while it is in the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3, and does not prevent it from tilting when it reaches the stop 159.

 The sorting and storage unit 153 during disassembling the image works basically the same as in the device according to the first embodiment, except for the operation of the input shutter 162. In addition, the sorting and storage unit 153 during sorting is controlled by the sorting control unit 163 and not by the control unit 158 . The interaction of the controller 164 in the sorting control unit 163 with the color sensor 33 and other nodes is carried out in the same way as the interaction with these nodes of the controller 23 in the device according to the first embodiment.

 The input gate 162 in the device according to the second embodiment (Fig. 20) operates as follows. After the assembly elements 1 pass into the intermediate hopper 152, one of them falls into the gap between the rotor blades 165 under the outlet of the intermediate hopper 152. Under the influence of control signals from the sorting control unit 163, the stepping motor in the rotor drive 166 rotates the rotor 165 clockwise. At the same time, under the outlet of the intermediate hopper 152, there is the next gap between the rotor blades 165, and the next assembly element 1 passes into this gap by gravity. To eliminate congestion during the transition of the elements 1 to the input gate 162, it is possible to use additional means of vibration of the intermediate hopper 152 according to well-known principles.

 When the assembly 1, when the rotor 165 is rotated, is between the LED 57 and the photodiode 58, its color is determined using the color sensor 33. This operation is similar to the corresponding operation in the device according to the first embodiment. The next time the rotor 165 is rotated, this assembly 1 falls into the sorting channel 39 and is carried away by the air stream generated by the sorting compressor 34. In this case, air is drawn into the sorting channel 39 through openings 167. Then, the sorting is performed in the same way as in the device according to the first embodiment.

 The program executed by the controller 23 in the control unit 158 in the device according to the second embodiment (Fig. 21) is launched when the power is turned on (block 168) and works in a closed cycle until the power is turned off. At the beginning of the cycle, the controller 23 awaits the receipt of the command through the communication unit 27 and receives the command (block 169). Next, the controller 23 determines which command is received.

 If the check in block 170 shows that a command to parse the image has been received, then the controller 23 acts on the blocks 9 and 10 of the drive so as to lower the shelf 8 in the intermediate hopper 152 to the stop 159 (block 171). Then, a delay is formed for a time Tc sufficient for all assembly elements 1 to move from the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3 to the intermediate hopper 152 under the action of gravity (block 172). Finally, in block 173, the controller 23 sends to the controller 164 in the sort control block 163 a command to start executing the sorting program of the assembly members 1. In this case, the controller 23 in the control block 158 may start to execute the image forming program.

 If the check in block 174 shows that a command has been received to write new image data sent to the image memory 26 via the communication channel 28, then the controller 23 proceeds with the execution of the image receiving routine 175, which is similar to the corresponding routine for the device according to the first embodiment. If the check in block 176 shows that an imaging command has been received, then the controller 23 acts on the drive units 9 and 10 so as to raise the shelf 8 to the upper position (block 177). Then, the controller 23 proceeds to the execution of the imaging routine 178, which is similar to the imaging routine for the device according to the first embodiment (Figs. 14 and 15).

 In the block diagram of the subroutine for sorting the assembly elements 1 in the device according to the second embodiment, performed by the controller 164 in the sorting control block 163 (Fig. 22), R, G, B are the values of the red, green, and blue signals received in the color sensor 33 elements, J is the color number of the element, K is the number of completed cycles of waiting for the receipt of element 1 in the input gate 162, KM is the maximum number of specified waiting cycles, T2 is the time delay after turning on the deflector 36.J, necessary for the assembly element 1 to enter the hopper 30.J.

 After entering the subroutine (block 179), the variable K is assigned the value "0" (block 180). Then, the light source 84, the LED 57, and the sorting compressor 34 are turned on (block 181). After that, the controller 164 performs the calibration routine 182 of the color sensor 33, which is similar to the corresponding routine for the device according to the first embodiment. Next, the controller 164 interrogates the element color sensor 33 and checks if there is an assembly element 1 in the input gate 162 (Fig. 20) between the LED 57 and the photodiode 58 (block 183). If the specified check gives a positive result, then the variable K is assigned the value "0" (block 184). Then, the values of R, G, B are read from the element color sensor 33 (block 185) and the color number J is determined (block 186). These routines are similar to the corresponding routines for the device in the first embodiment. After that, the controller 164 sends control signals to the input gate 162, which ensure rotation of the rotor 165 by an angle equal to the angle between two adjacent blades (block 187).

 Next, the controller 164, through the position sensor polling unit 43, checks the position sensor 42.J, waiting for the assembly element 1 moving along the sorting channel 40 to reach this sensor (block 188). Then, the controller 164 turns on the deflector 36.J (block 189), generates a delay for the time T2 necessary for the assembly element 1 to change its direction of motion under the action of the deflector 36. J (block 190), turns off the deflector 36.J (block 191) and returns to block 183 of the program to perform the sorting of the next assembly element 1.

 If it is found in the program block 183 that there is no assembly element 1 in the input gate 162 between the LED 57 and the photodiode 58, the controller 164 switches to the program block 192, when executed, it sends control signals to the input gate 162, which rotate the rotor 165 by an angle, equal to the angle between two adjacent blades. Then, the value of the variable K is increased by "1" (block 193), and the value of the variable K is compared with the value KM (block 194). If K is less than KM, then returns to block 183 and the check for the presence of the assembly element 1 in the input gate 152 is repeated. Otherwise, the light source 84, the LED 57, and the sorting compressor 34 are turned off (block 195), and the sorting routine ends (block 196).

 The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the invention (Figs. 23 and 24) is based on image formation from the assembly elements 1. Before image formation, part of the assembly elements 1 is in the assembly unit 201, and the remaining assembly elements 1 are in the sorting and storage unit 200 and maybe in the intermediate hopper 199. The assembly elements 1 in the assembly unit 201 and in the sorting and storage unit 200 are sorted by color. Assembly block 201 is located at one of the edges of guide 204.

 In accordance with the imaging program, the assembly elements 1 of the desired colors are selected one after another in the assembly block 201. When laying the next assembly element 1 under the influence of signals from the control unit 205, the feed unit 214.J is triggered in the hopper 213.J (Fig. 27), and the assembly element 1 of the selected color with number J under the influence of gravity enters the outlet 216, and then in the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3. Further, the assembly element 1 moves downward under the action of gravity until it reaches the shelf 197 or previously assembled assembly elements 1. In the process of moving the assembly element 1 downward, the dividers 206 prevent its lateral displacement from to verticals, and sections 207 with increased resistance to movement provide a limitation of the fall rate of the assembly element 1.

 The assembly elements 1, one after the other, come from the assembly block 201 and fill up the gap between two adjacent dividers 206. Thus, a vertical column of the assembly elements 1 is formed. After laying each column, the assembly block 201 is shifted by the drive 203 of the assembly block along the guide 204 to the next the gap between the dividers 206, after which the next column is stacked, etc. Horizontal between two adjacent dividers 206 can fit more than one assembly element 1, for example, three (Fig. 25). The minimum image element distinguishable by the observer (pixel) can contain both one assembly element 1 or several, which is determined by the size of the assembly elements 1. If the image element contains several assembly elements 1, the reproduced color will be the sum of their colors. For example, if the image element is a “3 x 3” matrix of assembly elements 1, each of which has one of five colors (black, blue, green, red, white), then the number of possible colors of the image element is “715”.

 To disassemble the image, the shelf drive 198 rotates the shelf 197 or allows it to be tilted by gravity, and the assembly elements 1 move from the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3 into the intermediate hopper 199. Then, the shelf drive 198 again sets the shelf 197 to a horizontal position. The operation of the sorting and storage unit 200 when sorting the assembly elements 1 of the parsed image in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment is similar to the operation of the corresponding block in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the invention.

 In the process of image formation, replenishment of the assembly elements 1 in the assembly unit 201 is periodically performed. The assembly elements 1 of the desired color using the air flow generated by the replenishment compressor 209 (Fig. 26) are transferred from the sorting and storage unit 200 by conveyor 202 to the assembly unit 201. Each assembly element 1 after entering the assembly block 201 (Fig. 27) is inhibited in the separator 218 and under the action of gravity through the inlet 223 (Fig. 28) enters the distributor 212. Depending on the position of the shutters 224.1 ... 224. ( NC-1) the assembly element 1 is sent to one of the outlet openings 225.1 ... 225.NC and enters the corresponding hopper 213.1 ... 213.NC.

 The program executed by the controller 23 in the control unit 205 in the device according to the third embodiment (Fig. 29) starts after power is turned on (block 226) and works in a closed cycle until it is turned off. At the beginning of the cycle, the controller 23 awaits the receipt of the command through the communication unit 27, receives the command (block 227) and checks it.

 If the check in block 228 of the program shows that a command to parse the image has been received, then the controller 23 sends to the shelf drive 198 a command to open the shelf 197 (block 229), that is, to allow its rotation or tilt. Then, a delay is formed for a time Tc sufficient for all assembly elements 1 to move from the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3 to the intermediate hopper 199 under the action of gravity (block 230). After that, the controller 23 sends a command to the shelf drive 198 to close the shelf 197, that is, lock it in a horizontal position (block 231). Finally, the controller 23 sends to the controller 164 in the sorting control section 163 a command to start the execution of the assembly sorting program 1 (block 232), which is similar to the corresponding subroutine for the device according to the second embodiment (Fig. 22).

 After that, the controller 23 in the control unit 205 may begin to execute the imaging program.

 If the check in block 233 of the program indicates that a command has been received to write new image data sent to the image memory 26 via the communication channel 28, then the controller 23 proceeds with the execution of the image receiving routine 234, which is similar to the corresponding routine for the device according to the first embodiment.

 If the check in block 235 indicates that an image forming command has been received, then the controller 23 proceeds with the execution of the image forming routine 236. On the block diagram of this subroutine (Fig. 30) are indicated: N is the number of the collected column of elements 1, NM is the total number of columns in the collected image. After entering the subroutine (block 237), the controller 23 acts on the drive 203 of the assembly block so as to move it to the position where the first image column will be assembled (block 238), sets the variable N to "1" (block 239), after which proceeds to the execution of the replenishment subroutine 240 of the assembly elements 1 in the assembly block 201 and the subroutine 241 of laying the column of the assembly elements 1. Then, the controller 23 checks whether all the columns of the assembly elements 1 are stacked (block 242). If the answer to this question is no, then the controller 23 acts on the assembly unit drive 203 to move the assembly unit 201 to the position at which the next image column will be assembled (block 243), the value of the variable N is increased by "1" (block 244 ), after which the program returns to the beginning of the cycle at block 240. Otherwise, the execution of the subroutine ends at block 245.

 The following notation is used in the block diagram of the assembly routine of the assembly column of assembly elements 1 (Fig. 31) and in the explanatory text: L is the number of the next assembly element 1 in the stackable column, LM is the number of assembly elements 1 in the column, J is the color number of the assembly element 1, AC is the address in the image memory 26, which stores the color number J.

 After entering the subroutine (block 246), the variable L is assigned the value "1" (block 247), after which the execution of the cycle from blocks 248 .. begins. 254 programs, in each passage of which the device stacks one assembly element 1 in the image being formed. In block 248, the controller 23 calculates the color AC address of the next assembly element 1 in the image memory 26 according to the same rule as for the device according to the first embodiment. Then, the controller 23 reads the color number J of the next image element from the memory cell of the image 26 with the calculated AC address (block 249). Then, the controller 23 instructs to open the feed unit 214.J in the hopper 213.J in the assembly unit 201 (block 250), sending the corresponding control signals to the feed unit switch 215. After that, there is a pause with a duration T3 (block 251), sufficient for the assembly element 1 to move from the feed unit 214.J through the outlet 216 in the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3. Then the controller 23 instructs to close the node 214.J feed in the hopper 213.J in block 201 (block 252) and checks whether all the assembly elements 1 of this column are stacked (block 253). If not all, then the value of the variable L increases by "1" (block 254), after which the program returns to the beginning of the cycle to block 248 of the program. Otherwise, the execution of the subroutine ends in block 255 of the program.

 In the block diagram of the replenishment routine 240 of the assembly elements 1 in the assembly block 201 (Fig. 32) and in the text explaining it, J is the number of color and the corresponding hopper, NG is the number of colors of assembly elements 1. After entering the subprogram (block 256 ) the variable J is assigned the value "1" (block 257). Then, the controller 23 checks the status of the sensor 221.J monitoring the lower filling threshold of the hopper 213.J with the assembly elements 1 (block 258). If this check gives "No", then the upper surface of the layer of the assembly elements 1 in the hopper 213.J below the sensor 221.J filling. In this case, the replenishment process of the assembly elements 1 in the hopper 213 begins. J. The controller 23 sets the shutters 224.1 ... 224. (NC-1) in the distributor 212 to the positions allowing the passage of the assembly elements 1 to the hopper 213. J, sending the corresponding control signals to the actuators of these shutters (block 262), turns on the recharge compressor 209 (block 263) and opens the shutter 208.J in the sorting and storage block 200 (block 264). As a result, the assembly elements 1 begin to move from the hopper 30.J in the sorting and storage unit 200 to the replenishment channel 211, where they are picked up by the air flow and transported via the conveyor 202 to the assembly block 201, pass there the distributor 212 and enter the hopper 213.J.

 Meanwhile, the controller 23 continuously checks the status of the filling sensor 220.J, which controls the upper filling threshold of the hopper 213.J with the assembly elements 1 (block 265). As long as the surface layer of the assembly elements 1 in the hopper 213. J is lower than this sensor, the check will give "No" and the controller 23 will re-execute the block 265 of the program. When the hopper 213. J is filled with the assembly elements 1 above the level of the sensor 220.J, the check in block 265 will give "Yes". After that, the controller 23 instructs to close the shutter 208.J in the sorting and storage unit 200 (block 266) and maintains a pause of a duration T4 sufficient to ensure that all assembly elements 1 that previously left the hopper 30.J in the sorting and storage unit 200 , moved to the hopper 220.J in block 201 of the Assembly. Then, the controller 23 turns off the replenishment compressor 209 (block 268) and proceeds to execution of the program block 259, in which it finds out whether all the bunkers 220.J in the assembly block 201 are checked. If there is more to it (J <NC), then the value of the variable J increases by "1" (block 260), and returns to the beginning of the cycle to block 258. If J = NC, then the subroutine is completed in block 261.

 The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the invention (Figs. 33 and 34) is based on image formation from assembly elements 1, which, before image formation, are in sorting and storage unit 272 and may be partially in the intermediate hopper 271. The assembly head 273 is located at one of the edges of the guide 276. The formed image consists of inclined rows of assembly elements 1.

 In accordance with the imaging program, the assembly elements 1 of the desired colors are taken out one after another from the sorting and storage unit 272, moving under the influence of air flow through the pipeline 274 to the head 273, from which they fall into one of the spaces between the first and second walls 2 and 3 shelves 269, on which they slide under the action of gravity until they reach the door 270 or previously laid assembly elements 1. After laying the entire inclined row of elements 1 on the first of the shelves 269, the head 273 moves along the guide 270 to the next shelf 269, on which the next inclined row of assembly elements 1, etc. Image formation can begin both from the lower inclined row and from the upper.

 To disassemble the image, the door drive 277, under the influence of control signals from the control unit 278, opens the door 270, and all the assembly elements 1 roll along the inclined shelves 269 into the intermediate hopper 271, after which the door drive 277 closes the door 270. The operation of the sorting and storage unit 272 during formation and when disassembling the image in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, it is similar to the operation of the corresponding unit in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment (see FIGS. 19 and 20).

 The program executed by the controller 23 in the control unit 278 in the device according to the fourth embodiment (Fig. 35) is launched after turning on the power (block 279) and works in a closed cycle until the power is turned off. At the beginning of the cycle, the controller 23 awaits the receipt of the command through the communication unit 27, receives the command (block 280) and checks it.

 If the check in block 281 shows that the command to parse the image has been received, then the controller 23 sends the command to open the door 270 to the door drive 277 (block 282), maintains a pause of a duration Tc sufficient for all assembly elements 1 to move out of gravity from the gap between the first and second walls 2 and 3 to the intermediate hopper 271 (block 283), sends a command to the door drive 277 to close the door 270 (block 284), and finally sends to the controller 164 in the sort control block 163 (in Fig. 34 not shown) command start an extension of the program for sorting assembly elements 1 (block 285), which is similar to the corresponding program for the device according to the second embodiment. After that, the controller 23 in the control unit 278 may start to execute the image forming program.

 If the check in block 286 shows that a command has been received to write new image data sent to the image memory 26 via the communication channel 28, then the controller 23 proceeds with the execution of the image receiving routine 287, which is similar to the corresponding routine for the device according to the first embodiment.

 If the check at block 288 indicates that an image forming command has been received, then the controller 23 proceeds to execute the image forming routine 289. On the block diagram of this subroutine (Fig. 36), the following notation is used: N is the number of the assembled row of assembly elements 1, NM is the total number of rows in the assembled image. After entering the subroutine (block 290), the controller 23 sets the head 273 to the position corresponding to the first stacked row (block 291), sets the variable N to the value "1" (block 292), and proceeds to the execution of the subroutine 293 of laying the row of assembly elements 1. Then the controller 23 checks whether all rows of assembly elements 1 are stacked (block 294). If the answer is no, then the head 273 moves to the next shelf 269 (block 295), the value of the variable N increases by "1" (block 296), after which it returns to the beginning of the cycle to block 293. Otherwise, the execution of the subroutine is completed in block 297 .

 In the block diagram of the routine 293 of laying a number of assembly elements 1 (Fig. 37) and in the text explaining it, L is the number of the next assembly element 1 in the stacked row, LM is the number of assembly elements 1 in the row, J is the color number of the assembly element 1 , AC is the address in the image memory 26, which stores the color number J.

 After entering the subroutine (block 298), the controller 23 turns on the assembly compressor 35 (block 299) in the sorting and storage block 272 (Fig. 19), sets the variable L to "1" (block 300), and proceeds to complete a closed loop from blocks 301 ... 307, in each passage of which the device stacks one assembly element 1 in the image being formed. In block 301 of the program, the controller 23 calculates the color AC address of the next assembly element 1 in the image memory 26. This operation is similar to the corresponding operation for the device according to the first embodiment. Then, the controller 23 reads the color number J of the next image element from the memory cell of the image 26 with the calculated AC address (block 302) and instructs to open the feed unit 31.J in the hopper 30.J (block 303). As a result, one element 1 having the number J enters the assembly channel 40. Meanwhile, the controller 23 cyclically polls the element passing sensor 44, waiting for the assembly element 1 to pass through the head 273 (block 304). As soon as this happens, the controller 23 instructs to close the feed unit 31.J (block 305).

 Next, the controller 23 checks whether all the assembly elements 1 of the stacked row are stacked (block 306). If not all, then the value of the variable L increases by "1" (block 307), after which the program returns to the beginning of the cycle to block 301 of the program. Otherwise, the controller 23 turns off the assembly compressor 35 (block 308) and the execution of the subroutine is completed in block 309.

 The implementation of the imaging method of the present invention is not limited to the described device options. For example, sorting of assembly elements may be carried out not in the imaging devices themselves, but in a separate service center. In this embodiment, a special car will go around the display devices installed in different places, pick up the assembly elements of the old image and load the sorted assembly elements into the devices to form a new image. Then this car will bring assembly elements to the service center. Sorting can be performed directly on the specified vehicle.

 Various embodiments of devices implementing the method are possible. For example, the assembly unit described in the third embodiment of the present invention may be used in other embodiments instead of a simple assembly head. At the same time, as noted earlier, an increase in assembly speed is possible. It is possible to use various means of moving the shelf in the first and second variants. For example, the second (back) wall of the device can be made in the form of a tape scrolling in the vertical direction. In this case, the shelf must be rigidly attached to the specified tape and will move when scrolling the tape. An air cushion, that is, a layer of compressed air under the shelf, can also be used to move the shelf vertically.

 In the display devices of the third and fourth options, the first and second walls and the separators or shelves between them can be made of tubes of round, rectangular or other cross-section, made of a transparent material, for example, transparent plastic, combined into a bundle. Then each row will be formed by assembly elements located in one pipe.

 In all embodiments of the invention, it is possible to combine several devices in a group to form a large image. In this case, in each individual device will be collected part of the full image. In all image forming devices, it is possible to execute a first wall, a second wall, or both of these walls with openings that provide transparency to the walls and reduce material consumption. It is also possible the execution of one of these walls or both walls in the form of a lattice or openwork design, providing movement of elements only in certain directions.

 Thus, in the claimed method and devices the required technical result is achieved. The image forming method of the present invention makes it possible to automate image formation from assembly elements, since movement along complex paths, operations of capturing or attaching elements that move either under the influence of air flow or under the action of gravity are not required.

 The image forming apparatuses of the present invention make it possible to automatically form an image from elements of different colors. At the same time, one control center can control many image-forming devices located at considerable distances from it, sending commands to form or parse the image through wired or wireless communication channels. The formation of new images can be performed, for example, at night, so that people on the street every day can see new information.

 Each of the described options for a device that implements an image forming method has its advantages.

 In the device according to the first embodiment, the sorting and storage unit is located close to the upper boundary of the gap between the first and second walls. Therefore, the assembly pipeline is relatively short, and less power is required for the assembly compressor, and the element travels from the sorting unit to the assembly head as well.

 In the device according to the second embodiment, the disassembly head and the disassembly pipe are not needed. You can create a new image at the same time as sorting the assembly elements obtained by disassembling the old image. As in the device according to the first embodiment, the assembly elements when laying on the shelf fall from a small height, so you can use larger assembly elements having a relatively large size and, therefore, a relatively large mass.

 In the device according to the third embodiment, in addition to the advantages available in the device according to the second embodiment, there are additional advantages. When forming an image, each assembly element passes a small distance from the assembly block to the gap between the first and second walls, so that the speed of image formation increases. There is no need to move the shelf, which also helps to increase the speed of image formation and simplifies the design of the device. Devices according to the third embodiment are particularly easy to group in order to obtain large-sized images.

 In the device according to the fourth embodiment, the second (back) wall is not covered by other blocks of the device. Therefore, if both the first and second walls are transparent, then the image can be observed both from the side of the first wall and from the side of the second wall. Laying elements on the side may be more convenient in some applications.

 The proposed device for forming images do not contain expensive materials and difficult to manufacture nodes, do not require paper consumption or any other disposable materials. The main material is plastic balls, which can be used many times. Since the devices have remote control, changing images does not require the use of vehicles and gas mileage. Electricity is consumed only during the formation and disassembly of images, and the rest of the time the devices themselves consume a minimum amount of electricity. The design of the devices is resistant to environmental influences, which will ensure reliable operation in wide ranges of temperature and humidity, with strong winds and other adverse conditions.

 The present invention allows the creation of devices for forming images of various scales, both with the dimensions of ordinary street billboards, and covering the whole wall of a multi-storey building, or, conversely, of smaller sizes for a store sign or a theater poster. In the daytime, images will be clearly visible due to natural daylight, and in the dark when using conventional lighting. New devices for image formation will make mass information and advertising more flexible and operational and will decorate city streets, roads and public places.

Claims (37)

 1. The method of forming images, which consists in forming them from assembly elements that are moved from a storage location to certain positions in the generated image, and disassembling the image after use, during which assembly elements are placed in a storage location with the possibility of their subsequent use to form another image moreover, at least one of the assembly elements can be visually distinguished from the rest, characterized in that in the process of image formation, the assembly elements p consequently move between the at least two walls and stack in it in rows on at least one shelf with the possibility of moving the stacked rows in the direction from the upper row to the lower one using gravity, and in the process of disassembling the image, the assembly elements are removed from the specified interval.  2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement of the stacked rows in the direction from the top row to the bottom is performed after laying each N1 rows (where N1 is an integer).  3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the process of image formation, each assembly element is moved from the storage location to a specific position of the stacked row of assembly elements using air flow.  4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the process of disassembling the image, one after another all the rows of assembly elements are disassembled, starting from the top row and ending with the bottom, and after disassembling each N2 rows (where N2 is an integer), all remaining rows are moved in the direction from the bottom row to the top.  5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that during the disassembly process, each assembly element is moved from a disassembled row of assembly elements to a storage location using an air stream.  6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the process of disassembling the image, the assembly elements are moved to the storage location under the influence of gravity.  7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the image is formed from assembly elements of different colors, which after use are sorted by color.  8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the sorting of the assembly elements by color is at least partially carried out simultaneously with the disassembly of the image.  9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the sorting of the assembly elements by color is performed after disassembling the image.  10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the sorting of the assembly elements by color is at least partially carried out simultaneously with the formation of the next image.  11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that simultaneously form K parts of the image, where K is an integer.  12. The method of forming images, which consists in forming them from assembly elements that moves from a storage location to specific positions in the generated image, and disassembling the image after use, during which assembly elements are placed in a storage location with the possibility of their subsequent use to form another image moreover, at least one of the assembly elements can be visually distinguished from the rest, characterized in that in the process of image formation, the assembly elements consequently move between the at least two walls and stack in it in rows on at least one shelf, and in the process of disassembling the image, the assembly elements are removed from the specified interval, while in the process of image formation, each assembly element is moved from the storage location to a specific position stacked series of assembly elements using air flow.  13. The method of forming images, which consists in forming them from assembly elements that are moved from a storage location to certain positions in the generated image, and disassembling the image after use, during which assembly elements are placed in a storage location with the possibility of their subsequent use to form another image moreover, at least one of the assembly elements can be visually distinguished from the rest, characterized in that in the process of image formation, the assembly elements consequently move between the at least two walls and stack in it in rows on at least one shelf, moving to the beginning of the row, with the possibility of moving along this row to a certain position under the influence of gravity, and in the process of disassembling the image, the assembly elements are removed from specified interval.  14. The method according to item 13, characterized in that during the movement of the Assembly element along the row limit its displacement outside this row.  15. The method according to item 13, characterized in that during the movement of the Assembly element along the row limit the speed of its movement.  16. The method of forming images, which consists in forming them from assembly elements that are moved from a storage location to certain positions in the generated image, and disassembling the image after use, during which assembly elements are placed in a storage location with the possibility of their subsequent use to form another image moreover, at least one of the assembly elements can be visually distinguished from the rest, characterized in that the assembly elements are moved between at least two walls and stack in it in rows on at least one shelf, and in the process of disassembling the image, the assembly elements are removed from the specified interval, and before image formation, information about the image is written to the storage device, and in the process of image formation, the specified information is read into according to which carry out the specified movement.  17. The method according to p. 16, characterized in that the image information contains information about the color of the assembly elements.  18. An image forming apparatus comprising a housing, between which at least the first and second walls there is a gap for accommodating assembly elements that form the desired image, characterized in that it is provided with a sorting and storage unit, a control unit, assembly and disassembly pipelines, and a shelf with a drive located in the gap between the first and second walls, at least one of which is made transparent, and the sorting and storage unit is made with the possibility of selection from it boron elements and moving them under the influence of air flow through the assembly pipeline between the walls and with the possibility of moving them under the action of air flow through the disassembly pipe to the specified sorting and storage unit, while the corresponding outputs of the control unit are connected to the input of the shelf drive and the input of the sorting unit and storage, the output of which is connected to the input of the control unit.  19. The device according to p. 18, characterized in that the assembly pipeline and disassembly pipeline are configured to move their ends along the upper boundary of the gap between the first and second walls under the action of the drive, the input of which is connected to the corresponding output of the control unit.  20. The device according to p. 18, characterized in that the sorting and storage unit contains NC bins with feed units (where NC is an integer), an input gate, a color sensor, a sorting compressor, an assembly compressor, NC baffles, a baffle switch and a node switch supply, and the sorting compressor is designed to create an air flow and is installed so as to move the assembly elements from the inlet gate, connected with the inlet of the sorting and storage unit, to the hoppers, each of the NC deflectors is installed so that it is turned on able to direct the assembly element moving from the input gate to the corresponding hopper, the assembly compressor is designed to create an air flow and is installed so as to move the assembly elements from the supply nodes to the outlet of the sorting and storage unit, while the output of the color sensor is connected to the output of the sorting and storage unit , to the input of which the inputs of the sorting compressor, the assembly compressor, the input gate, the baffle switch and the feed node switch are connected, the outputs of which are connected to the input the respective feed nodes, and the outputs of the baffle switch are connected to the inputs of the respective baffles.  21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that at least one of the NC deflectors is made in the form of a controlled pneumatic nozzle connected to a source of compressed air.  22. The device of p. 20, characterized in that at least one of the NC deflectors is made in the form of an electromagnet with a movable element.  23. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that the sorting and storage unit is additionally equipped with ND position sensors (where ND is an integer) and a polling unit for position sensors, the output of the latter being connected to an additional output of the sorting and storage unit connected to an additional input the control unit, and the inputs are connected to the outputs of the respective position sensors, located with the ability to control the movement of the assembly element from the input gate to the hoppers.  24. The device according to p. 18, characterized in that it has an element passage sensor connected to the corresponding input of the control unit and installed so as to control the passage of the assembly element through the assembly pipeline.  25. The device according to p, characterized in that the second wall has a mirror coating on the inside.  26. An image forming apparatus comprising a housing, between which at least the first and second walls there is a gap for accommodating assembly elements that form the desired image, characterized in that it is provided with a sorting and storage unit, a pipeline, an intermediate hopper, a control unit and a shelf with a drive located in the gap between the first and second walls, at least one of which is made transparent, and the sorting and storage unit is made with the possibility of selection from assembly elements and moving them under the influence of air flow through the pipeline into the gap between the walls and with the possibility of moving assembly elements into it from the intermediate hopper, while the corresponding outputs of the control unit are connected to the input of the shelf drive and the input of the sorting and storage unit.  27. The device according to p. 26, wherein the sorting and storage unit contains NC bins with feed nodes (where NC is an integer), an input gate, a color sensor, a sorting compressor, an assembly compressor, NC baffles, sorting control unit, a switch deflectors and a switch for the feed units, and the sorting compressor is designed to create an air flow and is installed so as to move the assembly elements from the inlet gate connected to the inlet of the sorting and storage unit to the hoppers, each of the NC deflectors is installed It is configured to direct the assembly element moving from the input gate to the corresponding hopper in the on state, the assembly compressor is designed to create an air flow and is installed so as to move the assembly elements from the supply units to the outlet of the sorting and storage unit, and to the input of the sorting unit and storage, the input of the assembly compressor, the input of the start of the sorting control unit and the input of the switch of the feed units, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the corresponding feed units, respectively, are connected etstvuyuschie sorting control unit outputs are connected to the input of the input gate and the input sorting compressor inlet deflector switch, which outputs are connected to the inputs of the respective baffles and the color sensor output is connected to the input of the sorting control unit.  28. The device according to item 27, wherein the sorting and storage unit is additionally equipped with ND position sensors (where ND is an integer) and a polling unit for position sensors, the output of which is connected to an additional input of the sorting control unit, and the inputs are connected to the outputs of the corresponding position sensors located so as to control the movement of the assembly element from the input gate to the hoppers.  29. An image forming apparatus comprising a housing, between which at least the first and second walls there is a gap for accommodating assembly elements that form the desired image, characterized in that it is provided with a sorting and storage unit, an assembly unit with an appropriate drive, a pipeline, an intermediate hopper, a control unit and a shelf with a drive of a shelf located in the gap between the first and second walls, at least one of which is transparent, and the sorting unit and and the storage is made with the possibility of sampling assembly elements from it and moving them under the action of air flow through the pipeline to the assembly unit and with the possibility of moving assembly elements into it from the intermediate hopper, while the corresponding outputs of the control unit are connected to the input of the shelf drive, the input of the block drive assembly, the input of the sorting and storage unit and the input of the assembly unit.  30. The device according to clause 29, wherein the sorting and storage unit contains NC hoppers with gates (where NC is an integer), an input gate, a color sensor, a sorting compressor, a refill compressor, NC baffles, a sorting control unit, a baffle switch and a gate switch, and the sorting compressor is designed to create an air flow and is installed so as to move the assembly elements from the inlet gate connected to the inlet of the sorting and storage unit to the bunkers, each of the NC deflectors installed In such a way that in the switched-on state it is possible to direct the assembly element moving from the input gate to the corresponding hopper, the recharge compressor is designed to create an air flow and is installed so as to move the assembly elements from the gates to the outlet of the sorting and storage unit, at the same time to the input of the sorting unit and the storage is connected to the input of the recharge compressor, the input of the start of the sorting control unit and the input of the gate switch, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the corresponding valves The output outputs of the sorting control unit are connected to the input gate input, the input of the sorting compressor and the input of the baffle switch, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the corresponding baffles, and the output of the color sensor is connected to the input of the sorting control unit.  31. The device for forming images according to clause 29, wherein the assembly unit comprises a distributor, NC bins with feed units and a switch of feed units, each of the NC feed units connects a corresponding hopper to the outlet of the assembly unit, the inlet of which is connected to a distributor configured to direct assembly elements to each of the NC bins, wherein the input of the assembly block is connected to the input of the distributor and the input of the switch of the feed nodes, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the NC nodes filing.  32. The image forming apparatus according to claim 31, characterized in that the assembly unit further comprises 2 • NC filling sensors and a polling unit for filling sensors, the filling sensors being located two in each of the NC bins, and their outputs are connected to the corresponding inputs of the block polling filling sensors, the output of which is the output of the assembly unit connected to the input of the control unit.  33. The device for forming images according to clause 29, characterized in that it is provided with vertical or inclined dividers located in the interval between the first and second walls, limiting the displacement of the assembly elements in the horizontal direction.  34. The device for forming images according to clause 29, characterized in that in it in the interval between the first and second walls are formed sections with increased resistance to movement of the assembly elements.  35. An image forming apparatus comprising a housing, between which at least the first and second walls there is a gap for accommodating assembly elements that form the desired image, characterized in that it is provided with a sorting and storage unit, a pipeline, an intermediate hopper, a control unit, M shelves (where M is an integer) located in the gap between the first wall and the second wall, at least one of which is made transparent, and a door closing the specified gap with one th from the sides, and the sorting and storage unit is made with the possibility of selecting assembly elements from it and moving them under the influence of air flow through the pipeline between the walls and with the possibility of moving assembly elements into it from the intermediate hopper, while the corresponding outputs of the control unit are connected with the door drive input and the input of the sorting and storage unit.  36. The device according to p. 35, characterized in that on the M shelves the ends remote from the door are located higher than the ends adjacent to the door.  37. The device according to clause 36, wherein the first wall has openings.

Images