Marker system, diagnosis support apparatus, diagnosis support method, and storage medium

Abstract

This invention relates to a marking system, a diagnostic support device, a diagnostic support method, and a storage medium. By extracting captured images indicating pass / fail status of laser printing and using these images to identify the cause of printing defects, the usability related to the diagnosis of printing defects is improved. The marking system includes: a full-frame camera that generates captured images; a pass / fail judgment unit that uses the captured images to judge whether the print is pass / fail; a history storage unit that stores multiple judgment results, including NG judgment results, captured images, and status information of the laser marker in association with each other; a display unit that displays at least one of a first display area for displaying multiple judgment results and a second display area for displaying captured images; a receiving unit that selects either an NG judgment result or a captured image; and a control unit that displays status information associated with the NG judgment result or captured image selected via the receiving unit from among multiple types of status information displayed on the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technologies disclosed herein relate to marking systems including laser markers, diagnostic support devices, diagnostic support methods and procedures, and storage media for storing diagnostic support procedures. Background Technology

[0002] A laser marker, typically including a camera, is known to be used to confirm the printing status.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-220686 discloses a laser marker (laser printing device) that includes a camera optical system coaxial with the laser emission axis of the laser head and a camera that captures images of the printed surface of the workpiece (the object to be printed) through the camera optical system.

[0004] The laser marker disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-220686 photographs the printed surface after printing and performs image processing on the photographic signal to determine whether the laser printing is qualified or unqualified.

[0005] This laser marker can capture an image of the printed surface immediately after laser printing without moving the workpiece by aligning the camera optics system coaxial with the laser emission axis.

[0006] However, as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-220686, even when printing defects are detected using photographic images, it is difficult to identify the cause of the defects by visually examining the images alone. If the cause cannot be identified, problems arise in the setup and measures used to improve the symptoms.

[0007] Furthermore, it is necessary to visually distinguish the captured images appropriately for users to diagnose printing defects. However, in cases where a large number of workpieces have been printed, there are also a large number of captured images indicating whether the laser printing is acceptable or not, making it difficult to extract the desired captured image. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the above, this paper discloses a technique, and its purpose is to improve the usability related to the diagnosis of printing defects by facilitating the extraction of photographic images indicating the pass / fail of laser printing and using the photographic images to identify the cause of printing defects.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the marking system includes a laser marker, comprising: an excitation light generating unit for generating excitation light, a laser output unit for generating laser light based on the excitation light generated by the excitation light generating unit and emitting the laser light, and a laser scanning unit for irradiating a workpiece with the laser light emitted from the laser output unit and scanning the surface of the workpiece in two dimensions.

[0010] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the marking system includes: an image acquisition unit for capturing an image of the workpiece in the area scanned by the laser scanning unit in two dimensions, to generate a captured image including at least a portion of the workpiece; a pass / fail judgment unit for using the captured image acquired by the image acquisition unit to judge whether the printing applied to the workpiece is pass or fail; and a history storage unit for storing multiple judgment results, including at least an NG judgment result, from the judgment results obtained by the pass / fail judgment unit, the captured images used to acquire each judgment result, and multiple types of status information indicating the state of the laser marker, including multiple status information during the acquisition of each judgment result, in a time-series order as historical information in relation to each other. The system includes: a display unit for displaying at least one of a first display area and a second display area, wherein the first display area is used to display multiple judgment results stored in the history storage unit in chronological order, and the second display area is used to display captured images corresponding to the multiple judgment results in chronological order; a receiving unit for receiving an operation to select any one or more of the NG judgment results displayed in the first display area and the captured images displayed in the second display area that correspond to the NG judgment results; and a control unit for controlling the display unit such that, among the multiple types of status information, at least the status information associated with the NG judgment result or captured image selected via the receiving unit is displayed on the display unit.

[0011] Here, "NG judgment result" refers to the judgment result obtained by the pass / fail judgment department indicating poor printing. For example, an NG judgment result is obtained when a printing defect occurs on the workpiece.

[0012] Using this configuration, the historical storage unit stores NG (Not From Good) judgment results and captured images in association, thereby facilitating the retrieval of captured images where printing defects have occurred. According to this embodiment, status information associated with NG judgment results or captured images can be displayed on the display unit by specifying the NG judgment result or the captured image corresponding to the NG judgment result. As a result, users can visually identify the status information when printing was not performed well, and it facilitates the diagnosis of printing defects. In other words, the above configuration helps identify the cause of printing defects.

[0013] In this way, according to embodiments of the present invention, it is convenient to extract captured images indicating the pass / fail of laser printing and to use the captured images to identify the cause of printing defects, and further improve the usability related to the diagnosis of printing defects.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the display unit can be configured to display both a first display area and a second display area, and the control unit controls the display unit so that the display content of one of the first display area and the second display area changes in conjunction with the change of the display content of the other display area.

[0015] Using this configuration, the marking system according to the invention links the display modes of the first display area and the second display area to each other. As a result, usability can be further improved when diagnosing printing defects.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the historical storage unit may store at least the multiple OK judgment results obtained by the qualified or unqualified judgment unit, the captured images used to obtain each OK judgment result, and the multiple status information during the acquisition of each OK judgment result in the multiple types of status information in a time sequence with their interrelated states as historical information.

[0017] Here, "OK judgment result" refers to the judgment result obtained by the pass / fail judgment department indicating that the printing is good. For example, when no printing defects occur on the workpiece, the pass / fail judgment department makes an OK judgment.

[0018] Using this configuration, users can compare the captured images and status information corresponding to NG (Not Good) and OK (OK) judgments using the marking system according to the invention. As a result, captured images can be extracted more easily, and the causes of printing defects can be identified more readily.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can control the display unit so that status information associated with a judgment result other than the NG judgment result specified by the receiving unit, or status information associated with a captured image other than the captured image specified by the receiving unit, among the plurality of types of status information, is displayed on the display unit.

[0020] Using this configuration, users can compare status information associated with an NG judgment result or captured image specified via the receiving unit with status information associated with judgment results other than the specified judgment result (e.g., OK judgment result) or captured image. As a result, usability can be further improved when diagnosing printing defects.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, when an NG judgment result or a captured image is specified via the receiving unit, the control unit may display, in chronological order, status information of at least one type of the plurality of types of status information associated with the NG judgment result or the captured image on the display unit.

[0022] With this configuration, users can easily visually discern changes in status information over time. As a result, the causes of printing defects can be identified more easily.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the receiving unit specifies the NG judgment result or the captured image, the control unit may display on the display unit at least one of a line graph, bar graph and scatter plot showing the change of state information over time related to at least one of the plurality of types of state information.

[0024] With this configuration, users can easily visually discern changes in status information over time. As a result, the causes of printing defects can be identified more easily.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the marking system may be configured such that it includes: a housing, which includes at least the laser output unit and the laser scanning unit disposed inside; a power monitor for detecting the output of laser light emitted from the laser output unit; a distance measuring mechanism disposed inside or outside the housing and measuring the distance from the housing to the workpiece; an image processing unit for identifying the position of the workpiece when viewed along the area scanned in two dimensions by the laser scanning unit in an image captured by the image acquisition unit; a light-transmitting window disposed in the housing of the laser marker, through which the laser light scanned in two dimensions by the laser scanning unit passes; and a contamination detection unit for detecting contamination in the light-transmitting window, wherein the history storage unit stores at least one or more of the laser output detected by the power monitor, the distance to the workpiece measured by the distance measuring mechanism, the position of the workpiece identified by the image processing unit, and the contamination detected by the contamination detection unit as status information of the plurality of types.

[0026] Using this configuration, the marking system according to the invention can use a wide variety of information as status information. As a result, the causes of printing defects can be identified more thoroughly.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the receiving unit can be configured to receive an operation for correcting the judgment result obtained by the pass / fail judgment unit, and the control unit controls the display unit to reflect the correction made by the receiving unit.

[0028] With this configuration, when a user discovers a printing defect that was ignored by the pass / fail judgment unit, the judgment result can be corrected, and the display content can be changed to reflect the correction. As a result, usability in diagnosing printing defects can be further improved.

[0029] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a diagnostic support device for supporting the diagnosis of printing defects occurring on a workpiece during printing using a laser marker, the laser marker comprising: an excitation light generating unit for generating excitation light; a laser output unit for generating and emitting laser light based on the excitation light generated by the excitation light generating unit; a laser scanning unit for irradiating the workpiece with the laser light emitted from the laser output unit and scanning the surface of the workpiece in two dimensions; an image acquisition unit for capturing an image of the workpiece in the area scanned in two dimensions by the laser scanning unit to generate a captured image including at least a portion of the workpiece; and a pass / fail determination unit for using the captured image acquired by the image acquisition unit to determine whether the printing applied to the workpiece is pass or fail.

[0030] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the diagnostic support device includes: a history storage unit for storing, in chronological order, multiple judgment results, including at least an NG judgment result, from the judgment results obtained by the pass / fail judgment unit, multiple images used to acquire each judgment result, and multiple types of status information indicating the status of the laser marker during the acquisition of each judgment result, as historical information in a state-to-state sequence associated with each other; a display unit for displaying at least one of a first display area and a second display area, wherein the first display area is used to display the multiple judgment results stored in the history storage unit in chronological order, and the second display area is used to display images corresponding to the multiple judgment results in chronological order; a receiving unit for receiving an operation for selecting any one or more of the NG judgment results displayed in the first display area and the images displayed in the second display area corresponding to the NG judgment results; and a control unit for controlling the display unit such that, among the multiple types of status information, status information associated with the NG judgment result or the image specified by the receiving unit is displayed on the display unit.

[0031] This configuration facilitates the extraction of images indicating whether the laser printing is acceptable or not, and allows for the identification of the causes of printing defects using these images, thereby further improving the usability associated with the diagnosis of printing defects.

[0032] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a diagnostic support method for using a computer to support the diagnosis of printing defects occurring on a workpiece during printing using a laser marker. The computer includes: a history storage unit for storing historical information; a display unit for displaying information to a user; a receiving unit for receiving user operations; and a control unit for controlling the display unit. The laser marker includes: an excitation light generating unit for generating excitation light; a laser output unit for generating and emitting laser light based on the excitation light generated by the excitation light generating unit; a laser scanning unit for irradiating the workpiece with the laser light emitted from the laser output unit and scanning the surface of the workpiece in two dimensions; an image acquisition unit for capturing an image of the workpiece in the area scanned by the laser scanning unit in two dimensions to generate a captured image including at least a portion of the workpiece; and a pass / fail determination unit for using the captured image acquired by the image acquisition unit to determine whether the printing applied to the workpiece is pass or fail.

[0033] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the diagnostic support method includes the following steps: The history storage unit stores, in a time-series order, multiple judgment results (including at least an NG judgment result) obtained by the pass / fail judgment unit, multiple images used to acquire each judgment result, and multiple types of status information indicating the state of the laser marker during the acquisition of each judgment result, as historical information in relation to each other; The display unit displays at least one of a first display area and a second display area, wherein the first display area is used to display, in a time-series order, multiple judgment results stored in the history storage unit, and the second display area is used to display, in a time-series order, images corresponding to the multiple judgment results respectively; The receiving unit receives an operation to select any one or more of the NG judgment results displayed in the first display area and the images displayed in the second display area corresponding to the NG judgment results; and The control unit controls the display unit to display, among the multiple types of status information, status information associated with the NG judgment result or image specified by the receiving unit on the display unit.

[0034] This method facilitates the extraction of images indicating whether a laser print is acceptable or not, and uses these images to identify the cause of printing defects, thereby further improving the usability associated with the diagnosis of printing defects.

[0035] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a diagnostic support program executed by a computer, the computer comprising: a history storage unit for storing historical information; a display unit for displaying information to a user; a receiving unit for receiving user operations; and a control unit for controlling the display unit to support the diagnosis of printing defects occurring on a workpiece during printing using a laser marker; the laser marker comprising: an excitation light generating unit for generating excitation light; a laser output unit for generating and emitting laser light based on the excitation light generated by the excitation light generating unit; a laser scanning unit for irradiating the workpiece with the laser light emitted from the laser output unit and scanning the surface of the workpiece in two dimensions; an image acquisition unit for capturing an image of the workpiece in the area scanned in two dimensions by the laser scanning unit to generate a captured image including at least a portion of the workpiece; and a pass / fail determination unit for using the captured image acquired by the image acquisition unit to determine whether the printing applied to the workpiece is pass or fail.

[0036] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the diagnostic support program causes a computer to perform: a step of causing the history storage unit to store, in chronological order, multiple judgment results, including at least an NG judgment result, from the judgment results obtained by the pass / fail judgment unit, the captured images used to acquire each judgment result, and multiple types of status information indicating the state of the laser marker, among the multiple types of status information acquired during the acquisition of each judgment result, in a state associated with each other; a step of causing the display unit to display at least one of a first display area and a second display area, wherein the first display area is used to display, in chronological order, the multiple judgment results stored in the history storage unit, and the second display area is used to display, in chronological order, captured images corresponding to the multiple judgment results respectively; a step of causing the receiving unit to receive an operation for selecting any one or more of the NG judgment results displayed in the first display area and the captured images displayed in the second display area and corresponding to the NG judgment results; and a step of causing the control unit to control the display unit, thereby displaying, among the multiple types of status information, status information associated with the NG judgment result or captured image specified by the receiving unit on the display unit.

[0037] This program facilitates the extraction of images indicating whether a laser print is acceptable or not, and uses these images to identify the cause of printing defects, thereby further improving usability related to the diagnosis of printing defects.

[0038] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium. This storage medium stores a program for performing the aforementioned diagnostic support method.

[0039] As described above, according to the present invention, it is convenient to extract captured images indicating the pass / fail of laser printing and use the captured images to identify the cause of printing defects, and further improve the usability related to the diagnosis of printing defects. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the marking system;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a laser marker;

[0042] Figure 3A This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the marker head;

[0043] Figure 3B This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the marker head;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the marker head;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the laser scanning unit;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the triangulation method;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method using a tagging system;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the process for creating print settings, search settings, and distance measurement settings;

[0049] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the processing area and the setting surface;

[0050] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the content displayed on the display unit;

[0051] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of operating the laser marker;

[0052] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a printed log;

[0053] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of diagnostic support equipment;

[0054] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the specific process of diagnostic support methods;

[0055] Figure 15A This is a screenshot showing the symptoms of a printing defect.

[0056] Figure 15B It is a diagram showing the date and time when the printing defect occurred;

[0057] Figure 15C This is a diagram showing a diagnostic screen for printing defects;

[0058] Figure 15D This is a diagram showing a diagnostic screen for printing defects;

[0059] Figure 15E This is a diagram showing a diagnostic screen for printing defects;

[0060] Figure 15F This is a diagram showing a screen used to resolve printing defects;

[0061] Figure 16 This is a table illustrating the relationship between the causes of printing defects and their display priority order;

[0062] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the display priority order when multiple symptoms are selected;

[0063] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the diagnostic screen when multiple symptoms are selected;

[0064] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing a modified example of a diagnostic screen; and

[0065] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing the correction of the judgment result. Detailed Implementation

[0066] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is given by way of example.

[0067] Although printing is described in this specification as a typical example of the process, the technology can be used for various markings that use lasers, such as markings that include graphics including QR codes (registered trademarks), and is not limited to printing.

[0068] <Overall Configuration>

[0069] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the marking system S. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a laser marker L in a marking system S. Figure 1 The marking system S shown includes a laser marker L and an operation terminal 800, an external device 900, and an external terminal 700 connected thereto.

[0070] Figure 1 and Figure 2The laser marker L shown uses a laser emitted from the marker head 1 to irradiate a workpiece W, which is the object to be printed, and performs a three-dimensional scan on the surface of the workpiece W for printing. Here, "three-dimensional scan" refers to a combination of a two-dimensional operation (so-called "two-dimensional scan") that scans the irradiation position of the laser on the surface of the workpiece W and a one-dimensional operation that adjusts the focal position of the laser.

[0071] In the following description, the laser used to print on workpiece W is sometimes referred to as a "printing laser" to distinguish it from other lasers.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the laser marker L can use the distance measuring unit 5 built into the marker head 1 to measure the distance (height of the workpiece W) to the workpiece W, and also use the measurement results to adjust the focus position of the printing laser. The distance measuring unit 5 is an example of the "distance measuring mechanism" in this embodiment.

[0073] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the laser marker L includes a marker head 1 configured to emit a laser and a marker controller 100 configured to control the marker head 1.

[0074] In this embodiment, the marker head 1 and the marker controller 100 are separate components and are electrically connected via electrical wiring and optically coupled via fiber optic cables.

[0075] More typically, one of the marker head 1 and the marker controller 100 can be integrated into the other for unified operation. In this case, fiber optic cables, etc., can be appropriately omitted.

[0076] The operation terminal 800 has, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and memory, and is connected to the marker controller 100. The operation terminal 800 is configured to set various processing conditions (also called printing conditions), such as printing settings, and to display information related to laser marking to the user. The operation terminal 800 includes a display unit 801 configured to display information to the user, an operation unit 802 configured to receive operation input from the user, and a storage device 803 configured to store various types of information.

[0077] Specifically, the display unit 801 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL panel. The display unit 801 displays the operating status and printing conditions of the laser marker L as information related to laser marking. On the other hand, the operation unit 802 is configured using, for example, a keyboard and / or a pointing device. Here, the pointing device includes a mouse and / or a joystick. The operation unit 802 is configured to receive operation input from the user and is used to operate the marker head 1 via the marker controller 100.

[0078] The operating terminal 800 configured as described above can set printing conditions in laser marking based on user input. Examples of printing conditions include at least one or more of the following: strings to be printed on the workpiece W, graphic content (marking patterns) such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademarks), the desired output of the laser (target output), and the scanning speed of the laser on the workpiece W.

[0079] The printing conditions according to this embodiment also include conditions and parameters related to the distance measuring unit 5 (hereinafter also referred to as "distance measurement conditions"). Examples of distance measurement conditions include data that correlates a signal indicating the detection result of the distance measuring unit 5 with the distance to the surface of the workpiece W.

[0080] The printing conditions set by the operation terminal 800 are output to the marker controller 100 and stored in the condition setting storage unit 102. The storage device 803 in the operation terminal 800 can store printing conditions as needed.

[0081] Note that, for example, the operating terminal 800 may be integrated into the tagger controller 100. In this case, a name such as control unit is used instead of "operating terminal," but at least in this embodiment, the operating terminal 800 and the tagger controller 100 are separate components.

[0082] The external device 900 is connected to the marker controller 100 of the laser marker L as needed. Figure 1 In the example shown, an image recognition device 901 and a programmable logic controller (PLC) 902 are provided as external devices 900.

[0083] Specifically, for example, image recognition device 901 determines the type and position of workpiece W being transported on the production line. Image sensor, for example, can be used as image recognition device 901. PLC 902 is used to control the marking system S according to a predetermined sequence.

[0084] Furthermore, the laser marker L according to this embodiment includes an external terminal 700 connected to the marker controller 100 via wired or wireless means. The external terminal 700 can execute a diagnostic support method to support the diagnosis of printing defects occurring on the workpiece W and serves as a diagnostic support device. This diagnostic support method can be executed by an operating terminal 800. In this case, one terminal serves as both the operating terminal 800 and the external terminal 700. This configuration can be achieved, for example, by installing a program configured to operate the laser marker L and a program configured to execute the diagnostic support method (the diagnostic support program described later) in a common terminal.

[0085] The hardware configurations of the tag controller 100 and the tag head 1, as well as the configuration related to the control of the tag head 1 by the tag controller 100, will be described in turn below. Subsequently, the configuration of the external terminal 700, which serves as a diagnostic support device, will be described in detail.

[0086] <Tag Controller 100>

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, the marker controller 100 includes: a condition setting storage unit 102 that stores printing conditions; a control unit 101 that controls the marker head 1 based on the printing conditions stored in the condition setting storage unit 102; and an excitation light generation unit 110 that generates laser excitation light (excitation light).

[0088] Specifically, the condition setting storage unit 102 is configured using volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), etc., and can temporarily or continuously store information indicating printing conditions.

[0089] (Control Department 101)

[0090] Based on the printing conditions stored in the condition setting storage unit 102, the control unit 101 controls at least the excitation light generation unit 110 in the marker controller 100 and the laser output unit 2, laser guide unit 3, laser scanning unit 4, distance measurement unit 5, coaxial camera 6 and all-camera (non-coaxial camera) 7 in the marker head 1 to perform printing on the workpiece W.

[0091] Specifically, the control unit 101 includes a CPU, a memory, and an input / output bus, and generates control signals based on signals indicating information input via the operation terminal 800 and signals indicating printing conditions read from the condition setting storage unit 102. The control unit 101 outputs the control signals thus generated to various parts of the laser marker L to control the printing of the workpiece W and the measurement of the distance to the workpiece W.

[0092] For example, when workpiece W is started to be processed, the control unit 101 reads the target output stored in the condition setting storage unit 102, outputs the control signal generated based on the target output to the excitation light source drive unit 112, and controls the generation of laser excitation light.

[0093] When the workpiece W is actually processed, the control unit 101 reads the printing content (marking pattern) stored in the condition setting storage unit 102, for example, outputs a control signal generated based on the printing content to the laser scanning unit 4, and performs two-dimensional scanning printing laser.

[0094] In this way, the control unit 101 can control the laser scanning unit 4 to achieve two-dimensional scanning of the printing laser.

[0095] (Excitation light generation section 110)

[0096] The excitation light generating unit 110 includes: an excitation light source 111 that generates laser light according to a driving current; an excitation light source driving unit 112 that provides a driving current to the excitation light source 111; and an excitation light converging unit 113 that is optically coupled to the excitation light source 111.

[0097] The various parts of the excitation light generating unit 110 will be described in turn below.

[0098] The excitation light source driving unit 112 supplies driving current to the excitation light source 111 based on the control signal output from the control unit 101. Although not described in detail, the excitation light source driving unit 112 determines the driving current based on the target output determined by the control unit 101, and supplies the determined driving current to the excitation light source 111.

[0099] The excitation light source 111 receives a drive current from the excitation light source drive unit 112 and oscillates laser light according to the drive current. For example, the excitation light source 111 can be configured using laser diodes (LDs) or the like, and can be an LD array or LD strip with multiple LD elements arranged linearly.

[0100] The excitation beam converging section 113 converges the laser light output from the excitation source 111 and outputs the converged laser light as the laser excitation beam (excitation light). For example, the excitation beam converging section 113 is configured using a focusing lens or the like and has an incident surface for laser incidence and an emitting surface for outputting the laser excitation beam. The excitation beam converging section 113 is optically coupled to the marker head 1 via the aforementioned fiber optic cable. Therefore, the laser excitation beam output from the excitation beam converging section 113 is guided to the marker head 1 via the fiber optic cable.

[0101] (Other constituent elements)

[0102] The marker controller 100 also includes a distance measuring unit 103, which uses the distance measuring unit 5 to measure the distance to the workpiece W. The distance measuring unit 103 is electrically connected to the distance measuring unit 5 and can receive signals related to the measurement results of the distance measuring unit 5 (at least, a signal indicating the light receiving position of the distance measuring light in the distance measuring light receiving unit 5B).

[0103] As will be described later, the laser marker L according to this embodiment also includes a coaxial camera 6 and a full-view camera 7 as a non-coaxial camera. The laser marker L can capture an image of the surface of the workpiece W by operating at least one of the coaxial camera 6 and the full-view camera 7.

[0104] The marker controller 100 includes a distance measurement unit 103, an image processing unit 104, and a pass / fail judgment unit 105 to perform processing related to the captured image Pw generated by the coaxial camera 6 or the combined camera 7.

[0105] The marker controller 100 also includes a setting unit 107 for setting information about the marker pattern. The control unit 101 and the like read and use the settings from the setting unit 107.

[0106] On the other hand, the signal output from the distance measurement unit 5 generally corresponds to the distance to the surface of the workpiece W. However, for example, when the light-transmitting window 19 is contaminated, in addition to the signal corresponding to the distance to the surface of the workpiece W, sometimes a signal corresponding to the distance to the surface of the light-transmitting window 19 is also detected. Note that the light-transmitting window 19 mentioned here refers to the window portion through which the printing laser passes so that the printing laser generated and amplified inside the marker head 1 is emitted to the outside.

[0107] Therefore, the marker controller 100 according to this embodiment also includes a contamination detection unit 106 configured to detect contamination on the light-transmitting window 19. The detection result of the contamination detection unit 106 can be output to the distance measurement unit 103, the operation terminal 800, and / or the external device 900.

[0108] The distance measurement unit 103, image processing unit 104, pass / fail judgment unit 105, and contamination detection unit 106 can be configured using the control unit 101. For example, the control unit 101 can also be used as the distance measurement unit 103. Furthermore, the image processing unit 104 can also be used as the pass / fail judgment unit 105, etc. Details of the distance measurement unit 103, image processing unit 104, pass / fail judgment unit 105, and contamination detection unit 106 will be described later.

[0109] <Taghead 1>

[0110] As described above, the laser excitation light generated by the excitation light generating unit 110 is guided to the marker head 1 via an optical fiber cable. The marker head 1 includes: a laser output unit 2, which amplifies and generates laser light based on the laser excitation light and outputs the laser light; a laser scanning unit 4, which uses the laser light output from the laser output unit 2 to irradiate the surface of the workpiece W for two-dimensional scanning; a laser guiding unit 3, which forms an optical path from the laser output unit 2 to the laser scanning unit 4; a distance measuring unit 5, which is configured to measure the distance to the surface of the workpiece W based on the distance measuring light projected and received via the laser scanning unit 4; and a coaxial camera 6 and an all-around camera 7, which capture images of the surface of the workpiece W.

[0111] Here, the laser guide unit 3 according to this embodiment not only forms an optical path, but is also combined with a number of components such as a Z scanner (focus adjustment unit) 33 for adjusting the focal position of the laser, a guide light source 36 for emitting guide light, and a coaxial camera 6 for taking images of the surface of the workpiece W.

[0112] The laser guide unit 3 also includes: an upstream merging mechanism 31, which merges the printing laser output from the laser output unit 2 with the guide light emitted from the guide light source 36; and a downstream merging mechanism 35, which merges the laser guided to the laser scanning unit 4 with the distance measuring light projected from the distance measuring unit 5.

[0113] Figure 3A and 3B This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of marker head 1, and Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of marker head 1. Figures 3A to 3B between, Figure 3A The example shown illustrates the use of a printing laser to process workpiece W, and... Figure 3B The example shows the use of distance measuring unit 5 to measure the distance to the surface of workpiece W.

[0114] like Figures 3A to 4 As shown, the marker head 1 includes a housing 10, within which at least a laser output section 2, a laser guide section 3, and a laser scanning section 4 are disposed. Figure 4 As shown, the housing 10 has a generally rectangular shape. The lower surface of the housing 10 is separated by a plate-shaped base plate 10a. The base plate 10a is provided with a light-transmitting window 19, which is configured to emit a laser from the marker head 1 to the outside of the marker head 1. The light-transmitting window 19 is configured by fitting a plate-shaped transparent member capable of transmitting printing laser, guide light, and distance measurement light into a through hole penetrating the base plate 10a in the plate thickness direction.

[0115] In the following description, Figure 4 The direction of the long side of the shell 10 in the figure is sometimes simply referred to as the "long side direction" or "front-to-back direction", and the direction of the short side of the shell 10 in the figure is sometimes simply referred to as the "short side direction" or "left-to-right direction". Similarly, Figure 4 The height direction of the middle shell 10 is sometimes simply referred to as the "height direction" or "vertical direction".

[0116] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the laser scanning unit 4.

[0117] like Figure 5 As shown, the partition 11 is disposed inside the housing 10. The internal space of the housing 10 is divided by the partition 11 into one side and the other side along the long side direction.

[0118] Specifically, the partition 11 is formed as a flat plate extending in a direction perpendicular to the long side of the housing 10. In the following text, the partition 11 within the housing 10 on one side along the long side ( Figure 4 The space separated by the rear side is called the first space S1, while on the other side along the long side ( Figure 4 The space separated by the front side of the middle is called the second space S2.

[0119] In this embodiment, some components of the laser output unit 2, the laser guide unit 3, the laser scanning unit 4, and the distance measurement unit 5 are arranged in the first space S1. On the other hand, the main components of the laser guide unit 3 are arranged in the second space S2.

[0120] Specifically, the first space S1 is divided into one side along the short side by a generally flat substrate 12. Figure 4 The space on the left side and the other side (in the middle) Figure 4 The space on the right side of the image. In the previous space, the components that constitute the laser output section 2 are mainly arranged. Figure 5 The heat sink 22 shown is arranged in the rear space.

[0121] The second space S2 houses most of the components that constitute the laser guide section 3. These components are housed in a space surrounded by the partition section 11 and the cover member 17 of the front surface of the partition housing 10.

[0122] The configuration of the laser output unit 2, the laser guide unit 3, the laser scanning unit 4, and the distance measurement unit 5 will be described in sequence below.

[0123] (Laser output unit 2)

[0124] The laser output unit 2 is configured to generate a printing laser for printing based on the laser excitation light generated by the excitation light generation unit 110, and output the printing laser for printing to the laser guide unit 3.

[0125] Specifically, the laser output unit 2 includes: a laser oscillator 21a, which generates a laser with a predetermined wavelength based on laser excitation light, amplifies the laser, and emits a printing laser; a beam sampler 21b, which is configured to separate a portion of the printing laser oscillating from the laser oscillator 21a; and a power monitor 21c, to which the printing laser separated by the beam sampler 21b is incident.

[0126] Although details are omitted, the laser oscillator 21a according to this embodiment includes a laser medium that performs stimulated emission corresponding to the laser excitation light to emit laser light, a Q-switched switch configured to pulse modulate the laser light emitted from the laser medium, and a reflector that resonates with the laser light pulse modulated by the Q-switched switch.

[0127] The power monitor 21c detects the output of the printing laser. The power monitor 21c is electrically connected to the marker controller 100 and can output its detection signal to the control unit 101, etc.

[0128] (Laser Guide Unit 3)

[0129] The laser guide unit 3 forms at least a portion of the laser path P that guides the printing laser emitted from the laser output unit 2 to the laser scanning unit 4. In addition to the curved mirror 34 configured to form the laser path P, the laser guide unit 3 includes a Z-scanner (focus adjustment unit) 33 and a guide light source (guide light emitting unit) 36, etc. All these components are housed inside the housing 10 (primarily in the second space S2).

[0130] The printing laser incident from the laser output unit 2 is reflected by the curved mirror 34 and passes through the laser guide unit 3. A Z-scanner 33, configured to adjust the focal position of the printing laser, is arranged in the path leading to the curved mirror 34. The printing laser, having passed through the Z-scanner 33 and been reflected by the curved mirror 34, is then incident on the laser scanning unit 4.

[0131] The laser path P formed by the laser guide unit 3 can be divided into two parts with the Z scanner 33, which serves as the focus adjustment unit, as the boundary. Specifically, the laser path P formed by the laser guide unit 3 can be divided into an upstream optical path Pu from the laser output unit 2 to the Z scanner 33 and a downstream optical path Pd from the Z scanner 33 to the laser scanning unit 4.

[0132] More specifically, the upstream optical path Pu is located inside the housing 10 and extends from the laser output section 2 to the Z scanner 33 after passing through the upstream merging mechanism 31.

[0133] On the other hand, the downstream optical path Pd is located inside the housing 10 and extends from the Z scanner 33 to the first scanner 41 in the laser scanning unit 4 after passing through the bending mirror 34 and the downstream merging mechanism 35 in sequence.

[0134] In this way, inside the housing 10, the upstream merging mechanism 31 is located in the middle of the upstream optical path Pu, and the downstream merging mechanism 35 is located in the middle of the downstream optical path Pd.

[0135] -Z Scanner 33-

[0136] The Z scanner 33, which serves as a focus adjustment unit, is positioned in the middle of the optical path formed by the laser guide unit 3, and can adjust the focus position of the printing laser emitted from the laser output unit 2.

[0137] Specifically, the Z scanner 33 is disposed in the middle of the optical path from the upstream merging mechanism 31 (which is a guide light merging mechanism) to the laser scanning unit 4 in the laser path P inside the housing 10.

[0138] Specifically, such as Figures 3A to 3B As shown, the Z scanner 33 according to this embodiment includes: an input lens 33a that transmits a printing laser emitted from the laser output unit 2; a collimating lens 33b that transmits the printing laser passing through the input lens 33a; an output lens 33c that transmits the printing laser passing through the input lens 33a and the collimating lens 33b; a lens drive unit 33d that moves the input lens 33a; and a housing 33e that houses the input lens 33a, the collimating lens 33b, and the output lens 33c.

[0139] The Z scanner 33, which serves as the focus adjustment unit, is a mechanism configured to scan the printing laser in the vertical direction. In the following text, the scanning direction of the Z scanner 33 is sometimes referred to as the "Z direction".

[0140] The printing laser passing through the Z scanner 33 is coaxial with the guide light emitted from the guide light source 36. Therefore, not only the printing laser, but also the focus position of the guide light can be adjusted by operating the Z scanner 33.

[0141] Note that the Z scanner 33 (especially the lens drive unit 33d in the Z scanner 33) according to this embodiment is configured to operate based on the control signal output from the control unit 101.

[0142] -Bend Mirror 34-

[0143] A curved mirror 34 is disposed in the middle of the downstream optical path Pd and is arranged to bend the optical path Pd to point towards the rear. Although not shown, the curved mirror 34 is arranged at approximately the same height as the optical component 35a in the downstream merging mechanism 35 and can reflect the printing laser and guide light passing through the Z scanner 33.

[0144] The printing laser and guide light reflected by the curved mirror 34 propagate backward, pass through the downstream merging mechanism 35, and reach the laser scanning unit 4 (specifically, the first scanner 41).

[0145] -Downstream Merging Institutions 35-

[0146] The downstream merging mechanism 35 merges the distance measuring light emitted from the distance measuring light emitting unit 5A in the distance measuring unit 5 with the downstream optical path Pd, so that it is guided toward the workpiece W via the laser scanning unit 4. In addition, the downstream merging mechanism 35 guides the distance measuring light reflected from the workpiece W and sequentially returned to the laser scanning unit 4 and the downstream optical path Pd to the distance measuring light receiving unit 5B in the distance measuring unit 5.

[0147] The downstream merging mechanism 35 can be configured using, for example, a dichroic mirror. Specifically, the downstream merging mechanism 35 according to this embodiment has a dichroic mirror 35a that transmits one of the distance measuring light and the guide light and reflects the other (see [link]). Figure 5 Therefore, the printing laser and the guide light are incident on the mirror surface on one side of the dichroic mirror 35a, and the distance measurement light is incident on the mirror surface on the other side.

[0148] According to this embodiment, the dichroic mirror 35a can reflect distance measuring light and transmit printing laser and guide light. Therefore, for example, when distance measuring light emitted from the distance measuring unit 5 is incident on the dichroic mirror 35a, the distance measuring light can be combined with the downstream optical path Pd, thereby becoming coaxial with the printing laser and guide light. Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the printing laser, guide light, and distance measuring light coaxially reach the first scanner 41 in this manner.

[0149] On the other hand, the distance measurement light reflected by the workpiece W returns to the laser scanning unit 4 and reaches the downstream optical path Pd. The distance measurement light returning to the downstream optical path Pd is reflected by the dichroic mirror 35a in the downstream merging mechanism 35 and reaches the distance measurement unit 5.

[0150] (Laser scanning unit 4)

[0151] like Figure 3A As shown, the laser scanning unit 4 is configured to irradiate the workpiece W with a laser (printing laser) emitted from the laser output unit 2 and guided by the laser guide unit 3, and to perform a two-dimensional scan on the surface of the workpiece W.

[0152] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the laser scanning unit 4 is configured as a so-called dual-axis current scanner. That is, the laser scanning unit 4 includes: a first scanner 41 configured to scan the printing laser incident from the laser guide unit 3 in a first direction; and a second scanner 42 configured to scan the printing laser scanned by the first scanner 41 in a second direction.

[0153] Here, the second direction refers to a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, the second scanner 42 can scan the printing laser in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first scanner 41. In this embodiment, the first direction is equal to the front-back direction (the direction of the long side of the housing 10), and the second direction is equal to the left-right direction (the direction of the short side of the housing 10). Hereinafter, the first direction is referred to as the "X direction," and the second direction perpendicular to it is referred to as the "Y direction." Both the X and Y directions are perpendicular to the aforementioned Z direction.

[0154] The first scanner 41 has a first reflector 41a at its end. The first reflector 41a is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown) built into the first scanner 41. The motor can rotate the first reflector 41a about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. The reflection angle of the first reflector 41a to the printing laser can be adjusted by adjusting the rotational attitude of the first reflector 41a.

[0155] Similarly, the second scanner 42 has a second reflector 42a at its end. The second reflector 42a is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown) built into the second scanner 42. The motor causes the second reflector 42a to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction. The reflection angle of the second reflector 42a to the printing laser can be adjusted by adjusting the rotational attitude of the second reflector 42a.

[0156] When the printing laser is incident on the laser scanning unit 4 from the downstream merging mechanism 35, the printing laser is reflected sequentially by the first reflector 41a in the first scanner 41 and the second reflector 42a in the second scanner 42, and emitted to the outside of the marker head 1 through the light-transmitting window 19.

[0157] At this time, by operating the motor of the first scanner 41 to adjust the rotational attitude of the first reflector 41a, laser can be scanned and printed on the surface of the workpiece W along the first direction. Simultaneously, by operating the motor of the second scanner 42 to adjust the rotational attitude of the second reflector 42a, laser can be scanned and printed on the surface of the workpiece W along the second direction.

[0158] As described above, not only the printing laser, but also the guide light passing through the optical component 35a of the downstream merging mechanism 35 or the distance measuring light reflected by the same component 35a is incident on the laser scanning unit 4. According to this embodiment, the laser scanning unit 4 can perform two-dimensional scanning of the guide light or distance measuring light incident in this manner by operating the first scanner 41 and the second scanner 42 respectively.

[0159] In this way, the laser scanning unit 4 according to this embodiment is electrically controlled by the control unit 101, which is a scanning control unit, and the printing laser can be used to irradiate the printing area R1 provided on the surface of the workpiece W to form a predetermined printing pattern (marking pattern) in the printing area R1.

[0160] (Coaxial camera 6)

[0161] The coaxial camera 6 has an imaging optical axis A1 that branches from the laser path P from the laser output unit 2 to the laser scanning unit 4 (see...). Figure 3A and 3B The coaxial camera 6 captures an image of the workpiece W using the laser scanning unit 4. The coaxial camera 6 captures an image of the workpiece W arranged in the area (printing area R1) scanned two-dimensionally by the laser scanning unit 4 to generate an image Pw including at least a portion of the workpiece W. The coaxial camera 6 is an example of an "image acquisition unit" in this embodiment.

[0162] The coaxial camera 6 is configured as a camera mechanism coaxial with the printing laser used for printing. The coaxial camera 6 has a narrower field of view than the overall camera 7, but can generate an image of the printing area R1 magnified at a relatively high magnification as the captured image Pw, and can utilize the laser scanning unit 4 to scan the imaging area in two dimensions. The coaxial camera 6 is used, for example, to generate a partially magnified image of a portion of the printing area R1.

[0163] The captured image Pw generated by the coaxial camera 6 can be displayed on the display unit 801 with at least a portion of it magnified or reduced.

[0164] According to this embodiment, the coaxial camera 6 is built into the housing 10. Specifically, the coaxial camera 6 is arranged at approximately the same height as the curved mirror 34 in the laser guide 3. The coaxial camera 6 receives reflected light incident from the laser scanning unit 4 onto the laser guide 3. The coaxial camera 6 is configured such that reflected light reflected at the printing point on the workpiece W enters via the curved mirror 34. The coaxial camera 6 can form an image of the incoming reflected light to capture an image of the surface of the workpiece W. Note that the layout of the coaxial camera 6 can be appropriately changed. For example, the heights of the coaxial camera 6 and the curved mirror 34 can be different from each other.

[0165] The reflected light used for image formation in the coaxial camera 6 branches off from and propagates through the downstream optical path Pd. Therefore, by properly operating the laser scanning unit 4, two-dimensional scanning is possible. Figure 9 The printed area R1 is shown.

[0166] Similar to the guide light source 36, the coaxial camera 6 according to this embodiment is configured to operate based on the control signal output from the control unit 101.

[0167] (All cameras 7)

[0168] The entire camera 7 has an imaging optical axis A2 independent of the laser path P (see...). Figure 9 The all-around camera 7 captures an image of the workpiece W without the laser scanning unit 4. Similar to the coaxial camera 6, the all-around camera 7 captures an image of the workpiece W arranged in the area (printing area R1) scanned two-dimensionally by the laser scanning unit 4, to generate an image Pw including at least a portion of the workpiece W. The all-around camera 7 is an example of the "image acquisition unit" in this embodiment.

[0169] The full-view camera 7 is configured as a camera mechanism that is coaxial with the printing laser used for printing. The full-view camera 7 cannot perform two-dimensional scanning using the laser scanning unit 4, but it has a wider field of view than the coaxial camera 6 and is capable of generating an image as a captured image Pw obtained by capturing an image of the printing area R1 within a relatively wide field of view. For example, the full-view camera 7 is used to capture an image of the entire printing area R1 at once.

[0170] The captured image Pw generated by the all-camera 7 can be displayed on the display unit 801 with at least a portion of it magnified or reduced. The display unit 801 can display the captured image Pw generated by the all-camera 7 and the captured image Pw generated by the coaxial camera 6 side by side, or selectively display one of the two captured images Pw.

[0171] According to this embodiment, the entire camera 7 is arranged directly above the light-transmitting window 19 and fixed with its imaging lens facing downwards. As described above, the imaging optical axis A2 of the entire camera 7 is not coaxial with the optical axis Az of the aforementioned printing laser (see...). Figure 3A , 3B and 9).

[0172] Note that the "image acquisition unit" according to this embodiment includes at least one of a coaxial camera 6 and an all-around camera 7. That is, either the coaxial camera 6 or the all-around camera 7 can be used to generate the captured image Pw, or both can be used in combination to generate the captured image Pw. The configuration including both the coaxial camera 6 and the all-around camera 7 is not required. Either one can be provided.

[0173] (Distance Measurement Unit 5)

[0174] like Figure 3B As shown, the distance measuring unit 5 projects distance measuring light via the laser scanning unit 4 and uses the distance measuring light to illuminate the surface of the workpiece W. The distance measuring unit 5 also receives the distance measuring light reflected from the surface of the workpiece W via the laser scanning unit 4.

[0175] The distance measuring unit 5 is mainly divided into a module for projecting distance measuring light and a module for receiving distance measuring light. Specifically, the distance measuring unit 5 includes: a distance measuring light emitting unit 5A, which is configured to project distance measuring light; and a distance measuring light receiving unit 5B, which is configured to receive distance measuring light.

[0176] The distance measuring light emitting unit 5A is disposed inside the housing 10 and emits distance measuring light toward the laser scanning unit 4. This distance measuring light is used to measure the distance from the marker head 1 to the surface of the workpiece W in the laser marker L.

[0177] On the other hand, the distance measuring light receiving unit 5B is similarly disposed inside the housing 10 as the distance measuring light emitting unit 5A, and receives the distance measuring light reflected on the surface of the workpiece W and returned via the laser scanning unit 4 and the downstream merging mechanism 35.

[0178] The configuration of each part of the distance measuring unit 5 will be described in turn below.

[0179] -Distance Measurement Light Emitter 5A-

[0180] The distance measuring light emitting unit 5A is disposed inside the housing 10 and is configured to emit distance measuring light for measuring the distance from the marker head 1 to the surface of the workpiece W in the laser marker L.

[0181] Specifically, the distance measuring light emitting unit 5A includes the aforementioned distance measuring light source 51 and light projection lens 52.

[0182] The distance measuring light source 51 emits distance measuring light toward the front of the housing 10 according to a control signal input from the control unit 101. Specifically, the distance measuring light source 51 according to this embodiment can emit laser light in the visible light range as distance measuring light.

[0183] The light projection lens 52 can be, for example, a plano-convex lens. The light projection lens 52 collects the distance measurement light emitted from the distance measurement light source 51 and emits the distance measurement light to the outside of the housing.

[0184] The distance measuring light emitted from the distance measuring light source 51 passes through the central part of the light projection lens 52 and is output to the outside of the distance measuring unit 5. The output distance measuring light is reflected by the curved mirror 59 and the optical component 35a in the downstream merging mechanism 35 and then incident on the laser scanning unit 4.

[0185] The distance measuring light incident on the laser scanning unit 4 is sequentially reflected by the first reflector 41a of the first scanner 41 and the second reflector 42a of the second scanner 42, and emitted from the light-transmitting window 19 to the outside of the marker head 1.

[0186] As described in the description of the laser scanning unit 4, by adjusting the rotational attitude of the first reflector 41a of the first scanner 41, light can be scanned along a first direction to measure distance on the surface of the workpiece W. Simultaneously, by operating the motor of the second scanner 42 to adjust the rotational attitude of the second reflector 42a, light can be scanned along a second direction to measure distance on the surface of the workpiece W.

[0187] The distance measuring light scanned in this way is reflected on the surface of the workpiece W. A portion of the reflected distance measuring light (hereinafter also referred to as "reflected light") is incident into the interior of the marker head 1 through the light transmission window 19. The reflected light incident into the interior of the marker head 1 is returned to the laser guide unit 3 via the laser scanning unit 4. The reflected light is reflected by the optical component 35a of the downstream merging mechanism 35 in the laser guide unit 3 and is incident into the distance measuring unit 5 via the curved mirror 59.

[0188] -Distance Measurement Optical Receiver 5B-

[0189] The distance measuring light receiver 5B is disposed inside the housing 10 and is configured to receive distance measuring light (equivalent to the "reflected light" mentioned above) emitted from the distance measuring light emitter 5A and reflected by the workpiece W.

[0190] Specifically, the distance measuring light receiving unit 5B has a pair of light receiving elements 56L and 56R and a light receiving lens 57.

[0191] The pair of light-receiving elements 56L and 56R each have a forward-oriented light-receiving surface, and detect the light-receiving position of reflected light on the corresponding light-receiving surface, and output a signal indicating the detection result (detection signal). The detection signal output from each light-receiving element 56L and 56R is input to the marker controller 100 and reaches the distance measuring unit 103.

[0192] A light-receiving lens 57 is disposed inside the housing 10 to allow the optical axes of the pair of light-receiving elements 56L and 56R to pass through. The light-receiving lens 57 is also disposed in the middle of the optical path connecting the downstream merging mechanism 35 and the pair of light-receiving elements 56L and 56R, and can collect reflected light passing through the downstream merging mechanism 35 on the respective light-receiving surfaces of the pair of light-receiving elements 56L and 56R.

[0193] The light receiving lens 57 collects the reflected light returning to the laser scanning unit 4 and forms a light spot of the reflected light on the light receiving surfaces of each light receiving element 56L and 56R. Each light receiving element 56L and 56R outputs a signal to the distance measuring unit 103 indicating the peak position of the light spot formed in this way and the amount of light received.

[0194] Basically, the laser marker L can measure the distance to the surface of the workpiece W based on the light-receiving position of the reflected light on the light-receiving surfaces of the individual light-receiving elements 56L and 56R (in this embodiment, the position of the peak of the light spot). The so-called triangulation method is used as the distance measurement method.

[0195] -About distance measurement methods-

[0196] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the triangulation method. Although Figure 6Only the distance measuring unit 5 is shown, but the following description is applicable to the case where distance measuring light is emitted via the laser scanning unit 4 as described above.

[0197] like Figure 6 As shown, when the distance measuring light source 51 in the distance measuring light emitting unit 5A emits distance measuring light, the surface of the workpiece W is illuminated by the distance measuring light. When the distance measuring light is reflected by the workpiece W, if the effect of specular reflection has been eliminated, the reflected light (especially diffuse and reflected light) propagates isotropically.

[0198] Although the reflected light propagated in this manner includes a component that is incident on the light receiving element 56L via the light receiving lens 57, the angle of incidence of the incident light incident on the light receiving element 56L increases or decreases depending on the distance between the marker head 1 and the workpiece W. When the angle of incidence relative to the light receiving element 56L increases or decreases, the light receiving position on the light receiving surface 56a is displaced.

[0199] In this way, the distance between the marker head 1 and the workpiece W is correlated with the light-receiving position on the light-receiving surface 56a in a predetermined relationship. Therefore, for example, when this relationship is known in advance and stored in the marker controller 100, the distance between the marker head 1 and the workpiece W can be calculated based on the light-receiving position on the light-receiving surface 56a. This calculation method is simply a method using so-called triangulation.

[0200] In other words, the distance measuring unit 103 measures the distance from the laser marker L to the surface of the workpiece W by using triangulation based on the light receiving position of the distance measuring light in the distance measuring light receiving unit 5B.

[0201] Specifically, the condition setting storage unit 102 pre-stores the relationship between the light receiving position on the light receiving surface 56a and the distance from the marker head 1 to the surface of the workpiece W. On the other hand, a signal indicating the light receiving position of the distance measuring light in the distance measuring light receiving unit 5B (specifically, the position of the peak of the light spot formed on the light receiving surface 56a by the reflected light of the distance measuring light) is input to the distance measuring unit 103.

[0202] The distance measuring unit 103 measures the distance to the surface of the workpiece W based on the input signal and the relationship stored in the condition setting storage unit 102. The obtained measurement value is input to, for example, the control unit 101, and is used by the control unit 101 to control the Z scanner 33, etc.

[0203] For example, the laser marker L automatically or manually determines the areas (printing points) on the surface of the workpiece W to be processed by the marker head 1. Then, before performing printing, the laser marker L measures the distance to each printing point (more precisely, the distance measurement points set around the printing points) and determines the control parameters of the Z scanner 33 such that the focal position corresponds to the measured distance. Based on these determined control parameters, the laser marker L operates the Z scanner 33 and then uses the printing laser to print on the workpiece W.

[0204] The following section will describe the specific methods for using the tagging system S.

[0205] <Regarding the method of using the labeling system S>

[0206] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method using the tagging system S. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of creating print settings, search settings, and distance measurement settings. Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the printing area R1 and the setting surface R4, and Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the content displayed on the display unit 801.

[0207] also, Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of operating the laser marker L. Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the contents of the print log Lg generated when operating the laser marker L.

[0208] The marking system S, equipped with a laser marker L, can operate, for example, while installed on a production line in a factory. During operation, firstly, conditions are set up before production line operation, such as the installation position of the workpiece W to be transported through the production line and the individual outputs of the printing laser and distance measuring light illuminating the workpiece W (step S1).

[0209] The settings created in step S1 are transmitted and stored in the tag controller 100 and / or the operation terminal 800, or are read by the tag controller 100 immediately after creation (step S2).

[0210] Then, during production line operation, the marker controller 100 references pre-stored settings or settings read immediately after creation. The laser marker L operates based on the referenced settings and performs printing on each workpiece W flowing through the production line (step S3). Specifically, whenever a workpiece W is conveyed near the marker head 1, the PLC 903 inputs a trigger to the marker controller 100. Each time a trigger is input, the marker controller 100 executes a printing sequence on each workpiece W. The printing sequence referred to here represents the operations used to print on each workpiece W (see details). Figure 11The marker controller 100 executes a printing sequence for each workpiece W to be printed.

[0211] When printing of all workpieces W is complete, the marker controller 100 outputs a print log Lg, in which the printing results are arranged in a time series (step S4). The print log Lg can be configured using a common text file and stored in various storage media, including the condition setting storage unit 102. The print log Lg can be generated in real time in parallel with the processing of step S3. The marker controller 100 outputs the thus generated print log Lg to an external terminal 700, which serves as a diagnostic support device.

[0212] (The specific process of creating each setting)

[0213] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 The specific processing of step S1 in the process.

[0214] First, in step S11, the coaxial camera 6 or the all-around camera 7 built into the laser marker L generates an image Pw that includes at least a portion of the printing area R1. The image Pw generated by the coaxial camera 6 or the all-around camera 7 is output to the operation terminal 800.

[0215] The display unit 801 of the operation terminal 800 displays the setting surface R4 associated with the printing area R1, and also displays the captured image Pw (see [link to display]) on the setting surface R4. Figure 9 and 10 ).

[0216] As a result, the coordinate system (printing coordinate system) defined on the setting plane R4 in the display unit 801 and the coordinate system (camera coordinate system) defined on the captured image Pw can be associated with each other. For example, the user can specify the print point while viewing the captured image Pw and print on the print area R1 via the setting plane R4. The captured image Pw is used as a background image when making various settings via the setting plane R4.

[0217] In the subsequent step S12, the setting unit 107 sets the printing conditions. The setting unit 107 sets the printing conditions by reading the stored contents in the condition setting storage unit 102, or by reading the operation input via the operation terminal 800.

[0218] As an example of printing conditions, the setting unit 107 sets a printing pattern (marking pattern) Pm on the surface of the workpiece W, indicating the printing content to be formed in the printing area R1. The setting of the printing pattern Pm is performed via the setting surface R4.

[0219] The printing conditions include not only the printed pattern Pm as a marker pattern, but also a printed block B indicating the position of the printed pattern Pm. The printed block B can be used to adjust the layout, size, or rotation of the printed pattern Pm. Furthermore, the printed block B is used in conjunction with the distance measurement position I, which will be described later.

[0220] Display unit 801 can display the printed pattern Pm and the printed block B as an overlap with the captured image Pw. For example, in Figure 10 In the process, a printed pattern Pm including the string "123" and a rectangular printed block B surrounding the printed pattern Pm are arranged on the setting surface R4 on the surface of the workpiece W. The display unit 801 displays the printed pattern Pm and the printed block B arranged in this way as an overlap with the captured image Pw.

[0221] Although not shown, multiple workpieces W can be displayed on the setting surface R4, and can also be as follows: Figure 10 As shown, only one workpiece W is displayed. However, multiple print blocks B can be arranged on a single workpiece W. Regarding the print pattern Pm, patterns other than strings, such as barcodes and QR codes, can also be used.

[0222] Back Figure 8 In step S12, for example, the user manually creates print block B and arranges it on the setup surface R4 in the same step. Since the setup surface R4 and the captured image Pw are associated with each other as described above, the user can arrange print block B while visually recognizing the captured image Pw.

[0223] When one or more print blocks B are arranged in this manner, the user determines the print pattern Pm for each print block B. For example, when the user operates the operation unit 802 and the operation unit 802 inputs the print pattern Pm to the marker controller 100 based on the current operation input, the print pattern Pm is determined.

[0224] The setting unit 107 reads the arrangement of the print blocks B and the print pattern Pm determined for each print block B, and sets them as printing conditions. According to this embodiment, the setting unit 107 temporarily or continuously stores the coordinates (coordinates in the print coordinate system) of the print blocks B on the setting surface R4 in the condition setting storage unit 102 or the like.

[0225] Printing conditions also include conditions related to the printing laser (hereinafter referred to as "laser conditions"). These laser conditions include at least one of the following: the emission position of the printing laser, the target output of the printing laser (laser power), the scanning speed of the laser scanning unit 4 on the printing laser, the repetition frequency of the printing laser (pulse frequency), whether the printed laser spot is a variable laser (spot variability), and the number of times the printing laser tracks the printed pattern Pm (number of prints). Figure 10As shown in menu D1 in the lower right corner, these printing conditions can be set for each print block B.

[0226] Typically, misalignment occurs in the X and Y directions (XY directions) among the various workpieces W that are processed sequentially during production line operation. The laser marker L according to this embodiment can use various methods to correct such misalignment.

[0227] Therefore, in step S13 following step S12, the setting unit 107 creates condition settings (search settings) to correct misalignment in the XY direction. The laser marker L according to this embodiment can, for example, use pattern search as a method for correcting misalignment in the XY direction.

[0228] When using pattern search, the setting unit 107 sets the pattern area (not shown) used to identify the position of the workpiece W and the search area (not shown) defined as the range of movement of the pattern area (not shown) on the captured image Pw as conditions (search conditions) related to pattern search.

[0229] The search conditions set by the marker controller 100 are stored in the condition setting storage unit 102, etc., as search settings. When the creation of the search settings is completed, the control process proceeds from step S13 to step S14.

[0230] Typically, misalignment occurs in the Z-direction among the individual workpieces W that are processed sequentially during production line operation. This misalignment causes an undesirable shift in the focal position of the printing laser. According to this embodiment, the laser marker L includes a distance measurement unit 5, thus allowing misalignment in the Z-direction to be detected based on the distance to the surface of the workpiece W. As a result, the misalignment in the Z-direction can be corrected, and the shift in the focal position can be further corrected. Therefore, in step S14 following step S13, a condition setting (distance measurement setting) for correcting misalignment in the Z-direction is created.

[0231] Specifically, in step S14, conditions (distance measurement conditions) related to the distance measurement unit 5 are determined. According to this embodiment, the setting unit 107 sets at least one distance measurement position I on the captured image Pw as a distance measurement condition (see...). Figure 10 The star-shaped marker (in the image) is used to measure the distance from the marker head 1, specifically from the housing 10, to the surface of the workpiece W. The distance measurement position I is essentially set to overlap with the surface of the workpiece W and indicates the coordinates to which the distance measurement light needs to be emitted.

[0232] When multiple print blocks B are set, the setting unit 107 can set distance measurement conditions for each print block B. In this case, the setting unit 107 can set the distance measurement position I within each print block B (see [link]). Figure 10(The star-shaped mark in the middle). Alternatively, the setting unit 107 can also set the distance measurement position I outside each print block B.

[0233] The distance measurement conditions set by the setting unit 107 are stored in the condition setting storage unit 102, etc., as distance measurement settings. When the creation of the distance measurement settings is completed, the control process proceeds from step S14 to step S15 and then returns.

[0234] (Execution of printing)

[0235] Figure 11 It shows Figure 7 The specific processing in step S3. That is, it is performed sequentially for each workpiece W that passes through during the operation of the production line. Figure 11 The processing shown.

[0236] First of all, Figure 11 Before each of the steps shown, please refer to the following: Figure 7 Step S1 and Figure 8 As described in steps S11 to S15, the marker controller 100 pre-creates settings such as printing pattern Pm and printing block B (printing settings), settings such as pattern image (search settings), and settings such as distance measurement position I (distance measurement settings) for a predetermined workpiece W.

[0237] Once all settings are created, the marker controller 100 is ready to execute. Figure 11 The state of the control process is shown. The control process includes control processes configured to perform XY tracking (detecting misalignment in the XY direction) and Z tracking (measuring height in the Z direction) (steps S31 to S33) and control processes configured to perform printing that reflects XY tracking and Z tracking and store the printing results (steps S34 to S39), as the main process.

[0238] First of all, Figure 11 In step S31, a trigger is input from PLC 902, etc., to the marker controller 100. At this time, a workpiece W of the same type as the workpiece W used for various settings including distance measurement is conveyed. When the trigger is input to the marker controller 100, the marker controller 100 writes the fact that the printing sequence has started in the printing log Lg. When writing to the printing log Lg, a sequence number for distinguishing the printing sequence can be added, for example, such as... Figure 12 The figures are labeled N1 and N2.

[0239] In step S31, the marker controller 100 captures images of workpieces W of the same type via the coaxial camera 6 or the all-around camera 7 to generate a captured image (camera image) Pw. The marker controller 100 displays the generated captured image Pw as overlapping with the setting surface R4. At this time, the marker controller 100 sets a file path as the "pre-print camera image file path," which is configured to associate the pre-print workpiece W with the captured image Pw generated by capturing images of the workpiece W. The marker controller 100 writes the file path set in this manner into the print log Lg for each print sequence (see [link to print log]). Figure 12 ).

[0240] In the subsequent step S32, the marker controller 100 reads the search settings (search conditions) of each printed block B to be searched, and performs XY tracking using pattern search based on the search settings. This process is performed by the image processing unit 104.

[0241] Specifically, in step S32, the image processing unit 104 performs a pattern search on the captured image Pw. As a result, the image processing unit 104 can identify the position of the workpiece W on the captured image Pw when viewed along the printed area R1 (i.e., when viewed along the XY plane). Note that the position of the workpiece W referred to here is the relative position of the workpiece W, which is the object of XY tracking, relative to the workpiece W used to create the search settings. This relative position is merely a misalignment of the workpiece W in the XY direction.

[0242] When the image processing unit 104 performs XY tracking in this manner, it detects a misalignment in the XY direction between the workpiece W used to create the print settings, search settings, and distance measurement settings and the newly delivered workpiece W' during operation. At this time, the marker controller 100 writes the amount of misalignment of the workpiece W in the XY direction to the text log Lg for each print sequence as "XY tracking result" (see [link]). Figure 12 ).

[0243] In step S32, the marker controller 100 reads the distance measurement settings (distance measurement conditions) of each print block B set as the distance measurement object, and also performs Z-tracking using the distance measurement unit 5 based on the distance measurement settings. Specifically, in step S32, the distance measurement unit 103 operates the distance measurement unit 5 to measure the distance from the marker head 1 to the distance measurement position I, and further measures the height of the workpiece W at the distance measurement position I. At this time, the marker controller 100 writes the measured height of the workpiece W into the text log Lg for each print sequence as "Z-tracking result" (see...). Figure 12 ).

[0244] In step S32, the marker controller 100 corrects the misalignment of the workpiece W in the XY direction based on the detection results of misalignment in the XY direction. Specifically, the marker controller 100 corrects the position of the printing block B on the setting surface R4 to reduce the misalignment of the workpiece W in the XY direction.

[0245] In step S32, the marker controller 100 corrects the misalignment of the workpiece W in the Z direction based on the measurement of the workpiece W's height. Specifically, the marker controller 100 corrects the focal position of the printing laser based on the misalignment of the workpiece W in the Z direction.

[0246] In this way, in step S32, the misalignment of the printing block B in the XYZ direction is corrected for each workpiece W transported as the production line operates.

[0247] In the subsequent step S33, the marker controller 100 determines the details of the printed pattern Pm. The information determined in step S33 includes the production date, expiration date, batch number, count value, and information fixed during actual operation (especially the timing after trigger input).

[0248] Furthermore, the laser marker L according to this embodiment has the function of allowing a user to confirm the printed pattern Pm formed by the marker head 1 and to determine whether the printed pattern Pm is qualified or unqualified.

[0249] To achieve these functions, an image of the actual printed pattern Pm needs to be captured using a coaxial camera 6 or a full-view camera 7. Specifically, an image Pw containing at least the entire printed pattern Pm needs to be generated to determine whether the printed pattern Pm is acceptable or unacceptable. To capture an image of the entire printed pattern Pm, at least the following indicator is required, specifying the area to be captured.

[0250] Therefore, in step S34 following step S33, the marker controller 100 sets the camera area indicating the area to be photographed. Specifically, the marker controller 100 defines a camera area including the printed pattern Pm on the surface of the workpiece W. The marker controller 100 also sets the position and size of the defined camera area and stores it temporarily or permanently in the condition setting storage unit 102.

[0251] In step S35, following step S34, the marker controller 100 performs printing using the marker head 1. During printing, the printing pattern Pm, as detailed in step S33, is formed on the surface of the workpiece W to be marked.

[0252] Then, in step S36 following step S35, the marker controller 100 selects one of the coaxial camera 6 and the overall camera 7, and uses the selected camera to capture the aforementioned imaging area. As a result, an image Pw encompassing the entire printed pattern Pm is acquired. At this time, the marker controller 100 sets a file path as the "post-printing camera image file path," which is configured to associate the printed workpiece W with the image Pw generated by capturing an image of the workpiece W. The marker controller 100 writes the file path set in this manner into the print log Lg for each print sequence (see [link to print log]). Figure 12 ).

[0253] Next, in step S37 following step S36, the marker controller 100 uses the captured image Pw obtained in step S36 to determine whether the printing applied to the workpiece W is qualified or unqualified.

[0254] Specifically, in step S37, the pass / fail judgment unit 105 judges whether the printing quality is good (OK judgment) or poor (NG judgment) based on the printed pattern Pm formed on the surface of the workpiece W. These judgments can be performed using various methods depending on the type of printed pattern Pm.

[0255] For example, when a QR code (such as a barcode) is marked as a print pattern Pm, the pass / fail judgment unit 105 uses the print quality evaluation standard (AIM DPM) established by the Automatic Identification Manufacturer (AIM) to evaluate the quality. In this evaluation standard, the overall grade is defined as six stages from "A" to "F" in ascending order of evaluation, and the print quality is evaluated higher as the overall grade increases. The condition setting storage unit 102 assigns one of the overall grades "A" to "F" to each print pattern Pm.

[0256] Furthermore, the condition setting storage unit 102 pre-stores thresholds (threshold levels) for the overall grade, which define the boundary between OK and NG judgments. The pass / fail judgment unit 105 compares the threshold ranking with the overall grade assigned to each print pattern Pm to make an OK or NG judgment for each print pattern Pm. For example, when the threshold ranking is set to "C", the pass / fail judgment unit 105 makes an OK judgment for print patterns Pm assigned an overall grade of "A" or "B", and makes an NG judgment for print patterns Pm assigned an overall grade of "C", "D", "E" or "F".

[0257] On the other hand, when the string is labeled as a printed pattern Pm, the pass / fail judgment unit 105 evaluates the pass / fail status of each printed pattern Pm based on the difference between the captured images Pw. Specifically, for example, the pass / fail judgment unit 105 generates a difference image between a captured image Pw generated immediately before printing and a captured image Pw generated immediately after printing for each printing sequence. Then, the pass / fail judgment unit 105 calculates a score (hereinafter referred to as "print score") by calculating the difference between the difference image and the printed image (the setting image of the printed pattern Pm) generated by the printing settings. When the difference between the difference image and the printed image is large, the print score is lower than the score (lower evaluation) when the difference is small. In this embodiment, the print score is calculated to be between 0 and 100.

[0258] Furthermore, in the condition setting storage unit 102, a print score threshold (threshold score) is predefined to define the boundary between OK and NG judgments. The pass / fail judgment unit 105 performs an OK or NG judgment for each print pattern Pm by comparing the threshold score with the print score for each print pattern Pm. For example, when the threshold score is set to "50", the pass / fail judgment unit 105 makes an OK judgment for print patterns Pm that have a calculated print score of more than 50, and makes an NG judgment for print patterns Pm that have a calculated print score of 50 or less.

[0259] Note that the condition setting storage unit 102 can also perform judgments by combining multiple types of judgment methods. For example, when the QR code is marked as a print pattern Pm, the pass / fail judgment unit 105 performs both a judgment using the overall grade and a judgment using the print score. In this case, when the overall grade is "C", "D", "E" or "F", or when the print score is 50 or less, the pass / fail judgment unit 105 makes an NG judgment.

[0260] In step S37, the marker controller 100 writes the pass / fail judgment result of each workpiece in the print log Lg for each print sequence as the "print confirmation result" (see...). Figure 12 Here, the marker controller 100 may write the overall grade and / or print score to the print log Lg, or simply write information indicating OK or NG judgment to the print log Lg as the pass / fail judgment result.

[0261] Next, in step S38 following step S37, the marker controller 100 emits distance measuring light from the distance measuring unit 5 to detect contamination on the light-transmitting window 19. This process is performed by the contamination detection unit 106.

[0262] Specifically, the pollution detection unit 106 identifies the distance measurement light caused by the reflected light from the light-transmitting window 19 from the distance measurement light received by the distance measurement light receiving unit 5B, so as to detect pollution on the light-transmitting window 19.

[0263] As described above, the light-transmitting window 19 is fixed to the housing 10. Therefore, the optical path length between the light-transmitting window 19 and the distance measuring light emitting unit 5A is known. Since the optical path length is known, the position where the distance measuring light reflected from the surface of the light-transmitting window 19 has a peak on the light-receiving surfaces of the pair of light-receiving elements 56L and 56R can be estimated in advance. The contamination detection unit 106 detects the degree of contamination on the light-transmitting window 19 by monitoring the light-receiving state (e.g., light-receiving amount) at the estimated light-receiving position with the peak. This detection result (degree of contamination) is written into the print log Lg for each print sequence as "post-printing window monitoring result".

[0264] Next, in step S39 following step S38, the marker controller 100 uses the power monitor 21c to detect the output of the printing laser. This detection result is written into the print log Lg as "laser power" for each print sequence.

[0265] When printing is complete on all workpieces W, the marker controller 100 ends the processing of step S3 and begins the processing of step S4.

[0266] (Print log output)

[0267] In step S4, the marker controller 100 inputs the print log Lg to the external terminal 700. Each time an input is triggered, the print log Lg is grouped. As described above, the printing sequence begins each time an input is triggered, thus the state information can be divided for each workpiece W, and this state information can be arranged in such groupings in a time-series order. Figure 12 In the example shown, the print log Lg includes group G1 corresponding to the first print sequence and group G2 corresponding to the second print sequence.

[0268] In addition, the print log Lg can correlate the pass / fail judgment results of each print, the captured image Pw used to obtain each judgment result, and multiple types of status information when obtaining each judgment result by using the above-mentioned "print confirmation result", "camera image file path after printing" and status information such as "XY tracking result".

[0269] Here, "status information" refers to information used to indicate the status of the laser marker L. Multiple types of status information may include at least one or more of the following: the position of the workpiece W identified by the image processing unit 104 (XY tracking result); the distance to the workpiece W measured by the distance measurement unit 5 (Z tracking result); contamination detected by the contamination detection unit 106 after printing (post-printing window monitoring result); and the output of the printing laser detected by the power monitor 21c (laser power result). Figure 12 In the example shown, multiple status messages include all of these.

[0270] In this way, the print log Lg is configured to be in the following state: the pass / fail judgment results of each print when printing is performed on multiple workpieces W, the captured images Pw used to acquire each judgment result, and multiple types of status information when acquiring each judgment result are correlated with each other and arranged in chronological order. The print log Lg is an example of "historical information" in this embodiment.

[0271] External terminal 700 supports diagnostics of laser marker L based on the print log Lg input from marker controller 100. The configuration of external terminal 700 as a diagnostic support device will be described in detail below.

[0272] Diagnostic Support Equipment

[0273] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an external terminal (diagnostic support device) 700. Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the specific processes of diagnostic support methods. Furthermore, Figure 15A This is a diagram of the selection screen Sc1, which shows the symptoms of printing defects. Figure 15B This is a diagram of screen Sc2, which shows the date and time the printing defect occurred. Figure 15C This is a diagram of the diagnostic screen Sc3 showing a printing defect. Figure 15D This is a diagram of the diagnostic screen Sc4 showing a printing defect. Figure 15E This is a diagram of the diagnostic screen Sc5 showing a printing defect. Figure 15F This is a diagram of screen Sc6 showing countermeasures for resolving printing defects. Figure 16 This is a table illustrating the relationship between the causes of printing defects and their display priority order.

[0274] (External Terminal 700)

[0275] The external terminal 700 is configured using, for example, a personal computer and is connected to the marker controller 100 via wired or wireless means. The external terminal 700 serves as a diagnostic support device, which is configured to support the diagnosis of printing defects occurring on the workpiece W by performing diagnostic support methods described later.

[0276] Specifically, the external terminal 700 receives an operation to select a specific symptom of a printing defect, and displays the cause of the printing defect to the user based on the selected symptom, in order to support the diagnosis of printing defects that occur on the workpiece W during printing by the laser marker l.

[0277] Specifically, the external terminal 700 includes: a display unit 701 for displaying information to a user; a receiving unit 702 for receiving operations from the user; a storage unit 703 for storing various types of information; and a control unit 704 for controlling at least the display unit 701.

[0278] The display unit 701 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL panel. The display unit 701 displays a selection screen Sc1 configured to select symptoms of a printing defect, or a diagnostic screen Sc5 configured to diagnose a printing defect.

[0279] The receiving unit 702 is configured using, for example, a keyboard and / or an indicator device. Here, the indicator device includes a mouse and / or a joystick. The receiving unit 702 is configured to receive operation input from the user and is used to select defect symptoms, etc., on the selection screen Sc1.

[0280] Storage unit 703 is configured using, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive as a secondary storage device. Storage unit 703 includes a history storage unit 703a and a correspondence storage unit 703b, which will be described later, as functional elements.

[0281] The control unit 704 includes a CPU, memory, and input / output bus. The control unit 704 executes various programs to control the various parts constituting the external terminal 700 (such as the display unit 701).

[0282] Furthermore, the external terminal 700 can read the storage medium 705 storing the program. Specifically, according to this embodiment, the storage medium 705 stores a diagnostic support program obtained by programming a diagnostic support method. This diagnostic support program is read and executed by the control unit 704. When the control unit 704 executes the diagnostic support program, the external terminal 700 functions as a diagnostic support device.

[0283] -Historical Storage Department 703a-

[0284] The history storage unit 703a stores the print log Lg sent from the laser marker L as historical information. The history storage unit 703a stores the print log Lg at a time at least earlier than the diagnosis of a print defect.

[0285] Furthermore, the history storage unit 703a stores as many judgment results as the number of workpieces W that have already been printed, obtained by the pass / fail judgment unit 105. Specifically, when actually diagnosing printing defects, the history storage unit 703a stores multiple judgment results, including at least NG (Not Acceptable) judgment results. The historical information stored in the history storage unit 703a can be displayed on the display unit 701.

[0286] Specifically, the history storage unit 703a according to this embodiment is configured to store not only NG judgment results but also OK judgment results. Specifically, the history storage unit 703a according to this embodiment stores at least the multiple OK judgment results obtained by the pass / fail judgment unit 105, the captured image Pw used to acquire each OK judgment result, and multiple status information during the acquisition of each OK judgment result, in a time-series order based on their interrelated states, as historical information. This process can be considered as one of the steps constituting the diagnostic support method according to this embodiment.

[0287] -Correspondence storage unit 703b-

[0288] The correspondence storage unit 703b stores the correspondence between a status item indicating the state of a printing defect occurring on the workpiece W and multiple cause parameters that are candidates for the cause of the printing defect corresponding to that status item, as well as the display priority order of the multiple cause parameters.

[0289] Here, the "Status Item" indicates the symptoms of the printing defect, such as... Figure 15A The items are categorized as shown. "Status items" can be items that are perceptible to the user or items that are not perceptible to the user.

[0290] Examples of status items corresponding to the former include symptoms such as "not printed," "insufficient printing," "dark printing," "bright printing," "uneven printing," "printing interfered with," "incorrect printed content," and "misaligned print position." Status items corresponding to the latter include items indicating symptoms such as "low overall grade and print score."

[0291] Furthermore, the "Cause Parameters" represent parameters indicating the likelihood of a printing defect for each status item. For example, the status information of the laser marker L can be used as a cause parameter. At least two or more cause parameters can be set.

[0292] Specifically, such as Figure 16As shown, the cause parameters according to this embodiment include the laser output (laser power) detected by the power monitor 21c, the contamination of the light-transmitting window 19 detected by the contamination detection unit 106 (window inspection), the distance to the workpiece W measured by the distance measurement unit 5 (Z-tracking result), and the position of the workpiece W identified by the image processing unit 104 (XY-tracking result). The values ​​of these parameters can be read from the print log Lg stored in the history storage unit 703a. For example, the value of the laser power and... Figure 12 The value corresponds to the "Laser Power Result" value, and the value checked in the window is the same as... Figure 12 The value corresponds to the "Print Window Check Results" value.

[0293] These four causal parameters can be considered as parameters characterizing the causes of printing defects, rather than indicating the causes themselves. In this sense, these causal parameters can be regarded as parameters indicating "surface causes." Furthermore, among the four causal parameters, the laser power and window inspection determine that the laser marker L itself is the cause of the printing defect, and the Z-tracking and XY-tracking results determine that causes other than the laser marker L (such as the conveyor of workpiece W, the fixture of workpiece W, and the shape of workpiece W itself) lead to the printing defect.

[0294] Furthermore, the cause parameters according to this embodiment include not only parameters that change over time (such as laser power), but also parameters that indicate whether a specific event has occurred, such as "whether the printing settings have changed" and "whether foreign objects are reflected in the captured image Pw".

[0295] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, the parameters of the latter type include "whether a specific event occurred (event log)", "whether the job number is incorrect (incorrect job number)", "whether the print settings have changed (settings changed)", "whether the image Pw captured during printing is misaligned (camera image: misaligned during printing)", "whether the usage status of the camera or lighting fluctuates (such as brightness fluctuations in the captured image Pw) (camera image: lighting / camera fluctuations)", "whether foreign objects or obstructions are reflected in the captured image Pw (camera image: foreign objects / obstructions)", and "whether other events occurred (such as power failure of the printing laser) (other)", etc.

[0296] These seven cause parameters can be considered as parameters indicating the cause of the printing defect itself, or parameters closely related to the cause. In this sense, these cause parameters can be regarded as parameters representing the "root cause." Furthermore, among the seven cause parameters, judging from the event log, error job number, and changes in settings, the cause of the printing defect is user error or PLC 902 operation, etc., while judging from the other four cause parameters, the printing defect is caused by other environmental factors.

[0297] Each status item is associated with multiple cause parameters. As will be described later, when a user specifies a symptom of a printing defect as a status item, the external terminal 700, acting as a diagnostic support device, displays the cause parameters corresponding to the symptom.

[0298] Therefore, the correspondence storage unit 703b stores at least whether each of the multiple cause parameters is displayed on the display unit 701, as a correspondence between each status item and the multiple cause parameters.

[0299] In other words, causal parameters deemed strongly correlated with symptoms are displayed on display unit 701 to instruct the user. Conversely, causal parameters deemed weakly correlated with symptoms are not displayed on display unit 701 to avoid instructing the user. As a result, unnecessary causal parameters can be excluded from the diagnostic process, thus improving usability when diagnosing printing defects.

[0300] Specifically, as an example of a status item, consider the case of "print position misalignment". Intuitively, this symptom is strongly correlated with XY tracking and weakly correlated with laser power. Therefore, the correspondence storage unit 703b sets the XY tracking relationship to be displayed on the display unit 701 and sets the laser power relationship to not be displayed on the display unit 701 (see also...). Figure 16 This serves as a correspondence between the symptom "print position misalignment" and multiple cause parameters.

[0301] Furthermore, the correspondence storage unit 703b stores the priority order (display priority order) of each of the multiple cause parameters displayed on the display unit 701 and the aforementioned correspondence.

[0302] For example, among the causal parameters that need to be displayed on the display unit 701, those considered to be relatively strongly correlated with the symptoms are displayed on the display unit 701 in priority over those considered to be relatively weakly correlated. As a result, more important causal parameters can be displayed first, thereby improving usability when diagnosing printing defects.

[0303] In addition, at least two or more state items are set. Therefore, at least two or more sets of multiple cause parameters corresponding to the state items are prepared.

[0304] In other words, the correspondence storage unit 703b according to this embodiment can store the correspondence between a first state item and a plurality of first cause parameters, as well as the display priority order of the plurality of first cause parameters, wherein the plurality of first cause parameters are candidates for the cause of the printing defect corresponding to the first state item; at the same time, it stores the correspondence between a second state item indicating a state different from the first state item and a plurality of second cause parameters, as well as the display priority of the plurality of second cause parameters, wherein the plurality of second cause parameters are candidates for the cause of the printing defect corresponding to the second state item.

[0305] The following text will use specific examples to describe the details of diagnostic support methods.

[0306] (Diagnostic Support Methods)

[0307] The diagnostic support method is configured to cause the external terminal 700 to execute the aforementioned diagnostic support procedure. When the diagnostic support method begins, it executes sequentially... Figure 14 The steps shown.

[0308] First of all, Figure 14 In step S101, the display unit 701 displays two or more status items indicating the state of printing defects on the workpiece W. Specifically, in step S101, the display unit 701 displays at least a first status item and a second status item indicating a state different from the first status item. As a result, a list of symptoms (status items) of the printing defects is displayed on the display unit 701.

[0309] Figure 15A The selection screen Sc1 displayed on the display unit 701 is shown. On this selection screen Sc1, the following status items are displayed: status item B1 indicating "No printing", status item B2 indicating "Insufficient printing", status item B3 indicating "Dark printing, bright printing, or uneven printing", status item B4 indicating "Printing is disturbed", status item B5 indicating "Incorrect printed content", status item B6 indicating "Print position is misaligned", and status item B7 indicating "Low print evaluation value (low overall grade or low print score)".

[0310] In the subsequent step S102, the user uses the receiving unit 702 to select the symptom of the printing defect occurring in the workpiece W. Specifically, in step S102, the receiving unit 702 receives an operation for selecting at least one of two or more status items displayed on the display unit 701. More specifically, in step S102, the receiving unit 702 receives an operation for selecting at least one of two or more status items including a first status item and a second status item. More specifically, in step S102, the user operates the receiving unit 702 to select the status item corresponding to the symptom occurring in the workpiece W from status items B1 to B7.

[0311] exist Figure 15A In the example shown, the desired status item can be selected by clicking any of the status items B1 to B7 listed on the selection screen Sc1. When the button B8, described as "Next," is clicked while a status item is selected, the display content on the display unit 701 changes. Here, it is assumed that the symptom "Insufficient Printing" has been selected to continue the description.

[0312] In the subsequent step S103, the control unit 704 determines the necessity of displaying each cause parameter and / or the priority order during display based on the symptom (state item) selected in step S102. Specifically, in step S103, the control unit 704, based on the state item selected in step S102 and the content stored in the correspondence storage unit 703b, makes the display priority order of the multiple cause parameters different between the case where a first state item is selected by the receiving unit 702 and the case where a second state item different from the first state item is selected. More specifically, the control unit 704 makes the display priority order of each cause parameter constituting multiple first cause parameters different from the display priority order of each cause parameter constituting multiple second cause parameters. In other words, the control unit 704 can change the display order of each cause parameter displayed on the display unit 701 for each state item.

[0313] In step S103, in addition to or instead of the control described above for changing the display priority order, the control unit 704 makes the combination of multiple cause parameters to be displayed on the display unit 701 different between the case where a first state item is selected via the receiving unit 702 and the case where a second state item is selected. More specifically, the control unit 704 makes the combination of cause parameters to be displayed on the display unit 701 at least partially different among all cause parameters constituting multiple first cause parameters and multiple second cause parameters. In other words, the control unit 704 can change, for example, the correspondence described above for each state item.

[0314] Specifically, the control unit 704 according to this embodiment is configured to perform both control for changing the display priority order and control for changing the configuration of the reason parameters to be displayed on the display unit 701.

[0315] In this way, the control unit 704 according to this embodiment can change the display priority order of the cause parameters corresponding to each state item, and change whether to display each cause parameter (e.g., correspondence) on the display unit 701 for each state item.

[0316] Figure 16 The various cause parameters, their correspondences, and their corresponding display priority order are shown. Here, the letters "A", "B", and "C" indicate cause parameters to be displayed on display unit 701, and the symbol "x" indicates cause parameters not to be displayed on display unit 701. Furthermore, the letters "A", "B", and "C" indicate higher display priority order in alphabetical order.

[0317] For example, when "printing is interfered with" is selected as the status item, the control unit 704 does not display the laser power and window check on the display unit 701, but instead prioritizes displaying Z-tracking and XY-tracking. Specifically, according to this embodiment, the control unit 704 prioritizes displaying status items classified as "superficial causes" on the display unit 701, between status items classified as "superficial causes" and status items classified as "root causes." The specific display content will be explained in the description of step S106.

[0318] In the subsequent step S104, the display unit 701 displays the printed pass / fail judgment results, the captured image Pw, and the printed score in a time-series order. Specifically, in step S104, the display unit 701 displays at least one of a first display area Rc1 and a second display area Rc2, wherein the first display area displays multiple judgment results (pass / fail judgment results) stored in the history storage unit 703a in a time-series order, and the second display area displays the captured image Pw, which corresponds to the multiple judgment results displayed in the first display area Rc1, in a time-series order.

[0319] Figure 15B An example of a designated screen Sc2 showing the date and time of a printing defect is shown. As shown, the display unit 701 according to this embodiment can simultaneously display both the first display area Rc1 and the second display area Rc2. Figure 15B In the example shown, the first display area Rc1 displays multiple vertical bars indicating the printing sequence performed in chronological order. Among the bars displayed in the first display area Rc1, bars marked with alternating long and short dashed lines indicate a "good" printing result (OK result), while bars marked with a solid line and labeled Mn indicate a "not good" printing result (NG result). In this example, the penultimate printing sequence executed around 12:00 was judged as NG.

[0320] exist Figure 15B In the example shown, the second display area Rc2 displays the captured images Pw corresponding to each judgment result in chronological order from left to right. Here, the captured images Pw generated in the last five printing sequences out of multiple printing sequences are displayed. Each captured image Pw illustrates the case where the string "ABC" is used as the printed pattern Pm. In addition, the printing score calculated when judging whether the printing is qualified or unqualified is displayed near the upper right corner of the display area (square area) of each captured image Pw.

[0321] Here, among the five captured images Pw, the judgment result corresponding to the second-to-last captured image Pw is the NG judgment as described above. To support this judgment result, a printed score "46" (less than 50) and the string "NG" indicating the NG judgment are displayed in the second-to-last captured image Pw. In this way, the captured image Pw with the string "NG" appended is associated with the NG judgment result. On the other hand, the captured image Pw without the string "NG" assigned is associated with the OK judgment result.

[0322] Here, when any judgment result is selected in the first display area Rc1 via the receiving unit 702, the captured image Pw associated with the selected judgment result is also selected in the second display area Rc2. Conversely, when any captured image Pw is selected in the second display area Rc2, the judgment result associated with the selected captured image Pw is also selected in the first display area Rc1.

[0323] In this way, the diagnostic support device according to this embodiment is configured such that the operation input in the first display area Rc1 is linked to the operation input in the second display area Rc2.

[0324] exist Figure 15B In the example shown, the first display area Rc1 is positioned above the second display area Rc2. Furthermore, a third display area Rc3, configured to set the extraction time period for the judgment result in the first display area Rc1, is displayed above the first display area Rc1. When desired values ​​are entered in the date and time specification fields C1 and C2 in the third display area Rc3, the extraction time period for the judgment result can be set.

[0325] The display content in the first display area Rc1 is changed by altering the extraction time period of the judgment result. The control unit 704 can change the display content in the second display area Rc2 in conjunction with this change. Specifically, the control unit 704 changes the display content in the second display area Rc2 to display the captured image Pw corresponding to the changed judgment result in the first display area Rc1.

[0326] On the other hand, buttons Bb1 and Bb2, configured to change the captured image Pw to be displayed, are shown in the second display area Rc2. For example, when button Bb1 is clicked, the recording timing of the captured image Pw to be displayed can be traced back to the past, thereby changing the display content in the second display area Rc2. Furthermore, when button Bb2 is clicked, the recording timing of the captured image Pw to be displayed can be changed in the opposite direction to the case of clicking button Bb1. The control unit 704 can change the display content in the first display area Rc1 to link with these changes. Specifically, the control unit 704 changes the display content in the first display area Rc1 to display a judgment result corresponding to the captured image Pw in the second display area Rc2.

[0327] In this way, the control unit 704 according to this embodiment can control the display unit 701, so that the other display content is changed in conjunction with the change of the display content of one of the first display area Rc1 and the second display area Rc2. Note that the display content referred to here includes display changes that accompany the selection of the judgment result or the captured image Pw.

[0328] On the other hand, as described above, the judgment result obtained by the pass / fail judgment unit 105 is displayed using the vertical bar display pattern in the first display area Rc1 of the first display area Rc1 and the second display area Rc2. However, even if the pass / fail judgment unit 105 judges it as "printed well", when the user visually examines the captured image Pw, printing defects (printing defects that do not appear in the overall grade and print score) may still be found.

[0329] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the receiving unit 702 is configured to receive the judgment result obtained by the pass / fail judgment unit 105 for correction. When the judgment result is corrected via the receiving unit 702, the control unit 704 controls the display unit 701 to reflect the correction via the receiving unit 702.

[0330] Specifically, the receiving unit 702 can change the OK judgment to an NG judgment or vice versa by clicking on the captured image Pw in the second display area Rc2 (see [link]). Figure 20 The changed content is appropriately reflected in the display modes of the first display area Rc1 and the second display area Rc2.

[0331] In the subsequent step S105, the user uses the receiving unit 702 to select either the pass / fail judgment result of the printout or the captured image Pw associated with each printout. As described above, the judgment results and captured images Pw are grouped by print sequence. Therefore, the date and time of the printout defect are specified by selecting either the judgment result or the captured image Pw (see bold box Fn). Specifically, in step S105, the receiving unit 702 receives an operation to select one or more of the NG judgment results displayed in the first display area Rc1 or the captured images Pw corresponding to the NG judgment results and displayed in the second display area Rc2.

[0332] In other words, according to this embodiment, the receiving unit 702 receives operations for selecting multiple NG judgment results or selecting multiple captured images Pw. In this case, the date and time of the printing defect occurrence are designated as the "printing defect occurrence time period," which includes multiple selected judgment results or captured images Pw.

[0333] In the subsequent step S106, the display unit 701 displays the status information of the laser marker L centered on the occurrence date and time specified by the NG judgment result or captured image Pw selected in step S105. Specifically, in step S106, the control unit 704 controls the display unit 701 such that, among multiple types of status information (in this embodiment, the aforementioned multiple cause parameters), at least the status information associated with the NG judgment result or captured image Pw selected via the receiving unit 702 is displayed on the display unit 701. The processing related to step S106 can be started, for example, by clicking the button with the descriptive sentence "Start Diagnosis," or it can start automatically without such operation.

[0334] When the control unit 704 specifies an NG judgment result or an captured image Pw via the receiving unit 702, multiple status information is displayed on the display unit 701 in chronological order for at least one type of multiple types of status information. Specifically, when an NG judgment result or captured image Pw is selected multiple times, the control unit 704 can display multiple status information associated with each NG judgment result or captured image Pw in chronological order. However, this method is difficult to handle the case where only one NG judgment result or one captured image Pw is selected.

[0335] Therefore, the display unit 801 according to this embodiment can display side-by-side status information associated with a judgment result or captured image Pw other than the selected NG judgment result or captured image Pw, as well as status information associated with the selected NG judgment result or captured image Pw. Specifically, in step S106, the control unit 704 controls the display unit 701 such that, among multiple types of status information, status information associated with a judgment result other than the NG judgment result specified by the receiving unit 702, or status information associated with a captured image Pw other than the captured image Pw specified by the receiving unit 702, is displayed on the display unit 701.

[0336] Specifically, in this embodiment, the display unit 701 displays multiple cause parameters as multiple types of status information. In this case, the external terminal 700, as a diagnostic support device, is configured to change the display order and necessity of the cause parameters based on the symptoms of the printing defect as described above.

[0337] Specifically, in step S106, the control unit 704 may display the cause parameters on the display unit 701 according to the display priority order determined in step S103, or display the cause parameters on the display unit 701 based on the combination determined in step S103.

[0338] Figure 15C Diagnostic screen Sc3 for printing defects is shown. This diagnostic screen Sc3 appears immediately after switching from the designated screen Sc2 and is configured to diagnose the primary cause parameter. On the left side of diagnostic screen Sc3, a cause list Lt is displayed, in which multiple cause parameters are arranged from top to bottom according to display priority.

[0339] As mentioned above, the display priority order of the four cause parameters classified as "root cause," such as window checks, is higher than the display priority order of multiple cause parameters classified as "surface cause," such as event logs. Furthermore, the display priority order of cause parameters classified as "root cause" is based on... Figure 16 The table shown is used to determine this. For example... Figure 16 As shown, when "Insufficient Printing" is selected as the status item, the window checks are displayed with the highest priority, followed by laser power and XY tracking, and then Z tracking.

[0340] Specifically, the control unit 704, based on the stored content in the historical storage unit 703a, causes the display unit 701 to display the cause parameters as status information. Figure 15C In the example shown, the window check for changes over time, which is the cause parameter that needs to be displayed with the highest priority, is displayed in the graphic display area Rc4 located in the center of the screen (see the white part in the cause list Lt).

[0341] Specifically, in Figure 15C The graphical display area Rc4 shows a line graph of the values ​​connecting the various window checks, illustrating how the window check, as a cause parameter, changes over time. When the window check value is small, it can be determined that the light-transmitting window 19 is more contaminated compared to a large window check value. Furthermore, the marker Mn in the graphical display area Rc4 indicates the print sequence that resulted in an NG (Not Good) judgment, as described above. As indicated by marker Mn, the window check value fluctuates significantly in the print sequence that resulted in an NG judgment, compared to other timings.

[0342] In the subsequent step S107, the user diagnoses printing defects based on the changes in the cause parameters over time. At this point, the diagnostic support method according to this embodiment can support the diagnosis of printing defects in a form that is interactive with the user.

[0343] Specifically, such as Figure 15C As shown, an interactive area Rc5 configured for user interaction is displayed above the graphical display area Rc4. This interactive area Rc5 displays a question asking whether the change in the cause parameter displayed in the graphical display area Rc4 over time exhibits a specific behavior (specifically, the behavior when the displayed cause parameter is abnormal), an item By "Yes" clicked when the specific behavior is determined to exist, an item Bn "No" clicked when the behavior is determined not to exist, and an item Bi "I don't know" clicked when it is difficult to determine whether the behavior is exhibited.

[0344] In other words, when it is determined that the causal parameter displayed in the graphics display area Rc4 triggers the symptoms representing a printing defect, select option By "Yes". When it is determined that the causal parameter displayed in the graphics display area Rc4 does not trigger the symptoms representing a printing defect, select option Bn "No". When it is determined that the causal parameter displayed in the graphics display area Rc4 may be related to the symptoms representing a printing defect, select option Bi "I don't know".

[0345] In the example shown in the diagram, the window inspection result fluctuates greatly at the timing of making the NG (not specified) judgment (the timing at which the marker Mn is attached). In this case, the user clicks the item "Yes".

[0346] The control unit 704 repeats steps S106 and S107 for all reason parameters that are determined to be displayed on the display unit 701. For example, Figure 15D Diagnostic screen Sc4 is shown, configured to diagnose the third cause parameter. Diagnostic screen Sc4 shows the Z-tracking change over time of the cause parameter, which is the display priority parameter lower than the window check.

[0347] Specifically, a line graph formed by connecting the Z-tracked values ​​(measured values ​​from distance measurement unit 5) is displayed. Figure 15D The graphic is displayed in area Rc4. In the example shown, it can be determined that the Z-tracking result fluctuates greatly in the printed sequence that makes the NG judgment. Therefore, the user clicks the item "Yes".

[0348] Additionally, when the symptom "Insufficient Printing" is selected, the control unit 704 displays all four cause parameters categorized as "surface causes" on the display unit 701 (see [link]). Figure 16 When the diagnosis of the cause parameters classified as "superficial cause" is completed, the control unit 704 begins to display the cause parameters classified as "root cause" on the display unit 701.

[0349] For example, Figure 15E Diagnostic screen Sc5 is shown, configured to diagnose the sixth cause parameter. Diagnostic screen Sc5 shows the changes in the event log over time (whether the occurrence of a specific event is written to the print log Lg).

[0350] In the example shown in the diagram, the printed sequence indicating NG is displayed in the sequence of printouts. Therefore, the user clicks the item "Yes".

[0351] Although a line graph connecting the values ​​of each cause parameter is displayed to illustrate the changes of the cause parameters as status information in the diagnostic screens Sc3 to Sc5 shown so far over time, the method of displaying these changes over time is not limited to a line graph. At least one of line graphs, bar graphs, and scatter plots can be used to display the changes of the cause parameters as status information over time on the display unit 701. Furthermore, the display method can differ for different types of status information.

[0352] Once the user has completed the diagnosis of all the cause parameters displayed in the cause list Lt, the control unit 704 identifies the cause of the printing defect. In the example shown in the figure, such as... Figure 15C As shown, the window inspection values ​​fluctuate greatly, therefore it is determined that the light-transmitting window 19 is contaminated. Figure 15D As shown, the Z-tracking value also fluctuates greatly, therefore misalignment of workpiece W is also considered a cause. Details of the misalignment can be determined through diagnostics related to other cause parameters, such as whether the misalignment occurred during printing. This identification is performed based on the cause parameter selected in the interaction area Rc5: either "Yes" by By or "I don't know" by Bi.

[0353] Afterwards, the user clicks button Bb3, which displays the sentence "Show countermeasures". When button Bb3 is clicked, the control process proceeds from step S107 to step S108. Note that clicking button Bb3 is not necessary. After the user completes the diagnosis, the process can automatically proceed to step S108.

[0354] In step S108, the display unit 701 displays the cause identified in step S107 and the countermeasures for resolving that cause. For example, Figure 15F Screen Sc6 shows the countermeasures to be implemented so far (such as...). Figure 15C The diagnostic screen (Sc3, etc.) shown in the image identifies the cause based on the cause parameters and the corresponding countermeasures. Figure 15F As shown, the countermeasure screen Sc6 displays each of the following: window contamination identified as the first cause (cause 1), countermeasures to resolve the contamination, misalignment during workpiece printing identified as the second cause (cause 2), and countermeasures to resolve the misalignment.

[0355] Subsequently, the user clicks button Bb4, which displays the sentence "Output Report," or button Bb5, which displays the sentence "End Diagnosis." When the former button Bb4 is pressed, the control process proceeds from step S108 to step S109. In step S109, a report indicating the results of the print defect diagnosis is output, including the date and time the print defect occurred, the cause of the print defect, and countermeasures to resolve the cause.

[0356] On the other hand, when button Bb5, which displays the sentence "End Diagnosis," is operated in step S108, the control process skips step S109 and ends.

[0357] Note that clicking buttons Bb4 or Bb5 in step S108 is not necessary. The report can be automatically generated while the countermeasure screen Sc6 is being processed, or it can be automatically generated at a timed interval before or after the processing is executed.

[0358] (Management when multiple symptoms are selected)

[0359] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the display priority order when multiple symptoms are selected. Furthermore, Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the diagnostic screen Sc7 when multiple symptoms are selected.

[0360] Although the handling of "insufficient printing" of the symptom has been shown so far, i.e., the handling of selecting only one status item, the diagnostic support method according to the invention is configured to allow the selection of two or more status items. That is, it is possible to select from... Figure 15A Multiple status items can be selected from status items B1 to B7 on the selection screen Sc1 shown. Specifically, the receiving unit 702 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to select both the first status item and the second status item.

[0361] However, when selecting either the first state item or the second state item, a problem arises regarding how to configure the display priority order. To solve this problem, the control unit 704 according to this embodiment is configured to reset the display priority order to respect both the display priority order corresponding to the first state item and the display priority order corresponding to the second state item.

[0362] Specifically, when the receiving unit 702 selects both the first state item and the second state item, the control unit 704, based on the content stored in the correspondence storage unit 703b, refers to the one with the higher order between the display priority order of the multiple first cause parameters and the display priority order of the multiple second cause parameters, and displays both the multiple first cause parameters and the second cause parameters on the display unit 701.

[0363] In other words, when either the first state item or the second state item is selected, multiple first cause parameters, which are cause candidates corresponding to the first state item, and multiple second cause parameters, which are cause candidates corresponding to the second state item, are displayed on the display unit 701.

[0364] At this time, even if the predetermined parameter (e.g., "Z-tracking") has a low display priority among the cause parameters that constitute multiple first cause parameters, the display priority of the predetermined parameter is set to high if the predetermined parameter has a high display priority among the group of multiple second cause parameters.

[0365] Figure 17 The process is shown when state item B2, which indicates the symptom "Insufficient printing," is selected as the first state item and state item B4, which indicates the symptom "Interference with printing," is selected as the second state item.

[0366] like Figure 17 As shown in the upper part, among the multiple first cause parameters corresponding to the first state item (insufficient printing), the display priority order of Z-tracking is set to low, such as "C"; among the multiple second cause parameters corresponding to the second state item (interference with printing), the display priority order of Z-tracking is set to high, such as "A". In this case, as... Figure 17 As shown in the middle section, the final display priority order is set to "A" which has a higher order.

[0367] like Figure 17 As shown in the upper part, among the multiple first cause parameters, the display priority order of window checking is set to high, such as "A"; and among the multiple second cause parameters, window checking is set to "x" so that it is not displayed on the display unit 701. In this case, window checking is set as the cause parameter that needs to be displayed, and its display priority order is set to "A", such as... Figure 17The middle part is shown.

[0368] When such processing is performed on all the corresponding cause parameters that constitute multiple first cause parameters and the corresponding cause parameters that constitute multiple second cause parameters, such as Figure 17 As shown in the lower part, the necessity of the final display and the display priority order during the display are determined.

[0369] Figure 18 The diagnostic screen Sc7, based on the above-mentioned determination, is shown. As shown, in the cause list Lt' for the cases of "Insufficient Printing" and "Printing Interference," the cause parameters are compared with... Figure 17 The lower part is displayed side by side in basically the same order.

[0370] (A variation of a diagnostic image)

[0371] In the above embodiments, the diagnostic screens Sc3 to Sc6 are provided with a second display area Rc2 and a graphic display area Rc4 as information for printing defect diagnosis. The second display area displays an image Pw taken at the date and time of the specified printing defect, and the graphic display area displays the change of the cause parameter as status information over time. However, the configuration of the diagnostic screen is not limited to this.

[0372] Figure 19 This diagram shows a modified example of a diagnostic screen. In addition to areas such as the graphic display area Rc4, the diagnostic screen Sc7 according to this modified example also includes a condition display area Rc6. This condition display area Rc6 is configured to display the aforementioned changes in laser conditions such as laser power, scanning speed, and pulse frequency. It is advantageous to identify the cause of printing defects by referring to the condition display area Rc6.

[0373] (Regarding improvements in usability)

[0374] On the other hand, even if printing defects are detected using photographic images (Pw), it is difficult to identify the cause of the defects solely by visually recognizing the images. If the cause cannot be identified, there are problems with the setup and measures used to improve the symptoms.

[0375] Furthermore, in order for users to diagnose printing defects, it is necessary to visually distinguish the captured images Pw appropriately. However, in the case of a large number of printed workpieces W, there are also a large number of captured images Pw indicating whether the laser printing is qualified or not, making it difficult to extract the desired captured image Pw.

[0376] On the other hand, according to the above embodiment, the history storage unit 703a stores the NG judgment result and the captured image Pw in association, thereby facilitating the retrieval of the captured image Pw in which the printing defect occurred. According to this embodiment, by specifying the NG judgment result or the captured image Pw corresponding to the NG judgment result displayed on the display unit 701, the NG judgment result or status information associated with the captured image Pw can be displayed (see [link to documentation]). Figure 14 (Step S106 in the above). As a result, when printing is not performed well, the user can visually identify the status information, which facilitates the diagnosis of printing defects. In other words, the above embodiments help to identify the causes of printing defects.

[0377] In this way, according to this embodiment, it is convenient to extract the captured images Pw indicating the pass / fail of laser printing and use the captured images Pw to identify the cause of printing defects, and further improve the usability related to the diagnosis of printing defects.

[0378] In addition, as referenced Figure 15B The display modes of the first display area Rc1 and the second display area Rc2 are configured in conjunction with each other. As a result, the usability for diagnosing printing defects can be further improved.

[0379] In addition, as referenced Figures 15B to 15E As described above, the captured image Pw and status information for an NG (Not Good) judgment result can be compared with the captured image Pw and status information for an OK (OK) judgment result. As a result, the captured image Pw can be extracted more easily, and the cause of the printing defect can be identified more easily.

[0380] In addition, as referenced Figures 15B to 15E As described above, the user can compare the NG judgment result specified by the receiving unit 702 or the status information associated with the captured image Pw with a judgment result other than the specified judgment result (e.g., OK judgment result) or the status information associated with the captured image Pw. As a result, the usability for diagnosing printing defects can be further improved.

[0381] In addition, as referenced Figures 15C to 15E As described above, users can visually identify changes in causal parameters, which serve as status information, over time. Consequently, the causes of printing defects can be more easily identified.

[0382] In addition, as referenced Figures 15C to 15E As described above, by displaying the changes in the cause parameters over time as a line graph, users can easily visually identify these changes. Consequently, the causes of printing defects can be more easily identified.

[0383] In addition, such as Figure 16As shown, the marking system S according to this embodiment can use the output of the printing laser (laser power), the distance to the workpiece W (Z tracking), the position of the workpiece W (XY tracking), and contamination on the light-transmitting window 19 (window inspection) as cause parameters. In this way, a wide range of information can be used as cause parameters (state information) to more thoroughly identify the cause of printing defects.

[0384] In addition, such as Figure 20 As shown, when a user discovers a printing defect that was ignored by the pass / fail judgment unit 105, the judgment result can be corrected, and the display content of the display unit 701 can be changed to reflect the correction. As a result, the usability for diagnosing printing defects can be further improved.

[0385] <<Other Embodiments>>

[0386] In the above embodiments, an external terminal 700, which may be separate from or integrated with the operating terminal 800, is used to configure the diagnostic support device; however, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a tagger controller 100 may be used to configure the diagnostic support device. In this case, the tagger controller 100 may implement all the elements constituting the diagnostic support device, or it may implement only some of the elements. For example, among the components of the diagnostic support device, the storage unit 703 may be configured using the condition setting storage unit 102 of the tagger controller 100, and other components may be configured using the external terminal 700.

[0387] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, depending on the selected symptom (status item), there are cause parameters that are not displayed on the display unit 701; however, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, after setting a display priority order for all cause parameters, all cause parameters can be displayed on the display unit 701, regardless of the selected symptom (status item). Optionally, without setting a display priority order for each cause parameter, only the display or non-display on the display unit 701 can be set.

[0388] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the distance measuring unit 5, which serves as the distance measuring mechanism, is disposed inside the housing 10; however, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The distance measuring mechanism may also be disposed outside the housing 10.

[0389] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, both the coaxial camera 6, which serves as the image acquisition unit, and the all-around camera 7 are disposed inside the housing 10; however, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the all-around camera 7, which serves as the image acquisition unit, may be disposed outside the housing 10.

[0390] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the following methods are used: Figure 14The illustrated process describes a diagnostic support method, but the configuration of the diagnostic support method is not limited to... Figure 14 The process is shown below. For example, the order of the steps can be changed.

[0391] Specifically, in the above embodiment, after selecting a symptom in step S102, the display priority order is determined in step S103. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, steps S104 and S105, etc., can be performed first after the processing of step S102 and before the processing of step S103.

[0392] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, after selecting a symptom in step S102, the process proceeds to step S105 via steps S103 and S104, and in step S105, the date and time of the printing defect are specified. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the process can proceed to steps S101 and S102 after executing steps S104 and S105. With this configuration, the user can select a symptom while referring to the captured image Pw and the judgment result.

[0393] Furthermore, the configuration of state information used as a cause parameter is not limited to Figure 12 An example. It can be used... Figure 12 Part of the description, and can be added Figure 12 Information not described in the text. Examples of information that can be added include contamination detected immediately before printing on the light-transmitting window 19 (pre-print window monitoring results). When using this information, in Figure 11 Any timed execution of steps S31 to S34 in the process and Figure 11 The same process as step S38 in the previous step. When the pre-print window monitoring results and the post-print window monitoring results are combined, contamination on the light-transmitting window 19 can be diagnosed in more detail.

[0394] Similarly, regarding Z tracking as state information, as described in step S32, the measurement value before misalignment in the Z direction can be used, the measurement value after misalignment is corrected can be used, or both the measurement values ​​before and after correction can be used.

[0395] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a print log Lg is used to send and receive historical information between the marker controller 100 and the external terminal 700; however, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Historical information can be sent and received in real time without using the print log Lg.

[0396] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the display unit 701 is configured to sequentially display the cause parameters one after another in the graphics display area Rc4, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple cause parameters can be displayed simultaneously. In this case, for example, the cause parameters can be displayed sequentially from top to bottom according to the display priority order.

[0397] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the display unit 701 is configured to simultaneously display the first display area Rc1 and the second display area Rc2 when the date and time of the specified printing defect are specified; however, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the display unit 701 may display one of the first display area Rc1 and the second display area Rc2.

[0398] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the display unit 701 is configured to display both the NG judgment result and the OK judgment result in the first display area Rc1; however, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The display unit 701 may display at least the NG judgment result.

Claims

1. A marking system, comprising: Laser marker, comprising: Excitation light generating section, used to generate excitation light. A laser output unit is used to generate laser light based on the excitation light generated by the excitation light generating unit, and to emit the laser light. A laser scanning unit is used to irradiate a workpiece with a laser emitted from the laser output unit and to scan the surface of the workpiece in two dimensions; An image acquisition unit is used to capture an image of the workpiece in the area scanned by the laser scanning unit in two dimensions, so as to generate an image including at least a portion of the workpiece; A condition setting storage unit is used to store thresholds that define the boundary between OK and NG judgments, which indicate whether the printing of the workpiece is qualified or unqualified. The pass / fail determination unit is used to determine whether the printing applied to the workpiece is pass or fail using the captured image acquired by the image acquisition unit and the threshold stored in the condition setting storage unit; The history storage unit is used to group and store as historical information each of the judgment results obtained by the pass or fail judgment unit, including at least the NG judgment result as the result of the NG judgment, the images used to acquire each judgment result among the multiple captured images generated by the image acquisition unit, which are composed of time series, and the state information during the acquisition of each judgment result among the multiple types of state information indicating the state of the laser marker. A display unit is configured to display at least one of a first display area and a second display area, wherein the first display area is configured to display, in chronological order, the plurality of judgment results stored in the history storage unit, side by side, and the second display area is configured to display, in chronological order, the captured images corresponding to the plurality of judgment results displayed in the first display area, side by side. A receiving unit is configured to receive an operation for selecting any one or more of the NG (Not From Good) judgment results displayed in the first display area and the captured images displayed in the second display area corresponding to the NG judgment results; and The control unit is configured to control the display unit when the NG judgment result or the captured image is selected via the receiving unit, such that at least the status information stored by the history storage unit in association with the NG judgment result or the captured image among the plurality of types of status information is displayed on the display unit.

2. The marking system according to claim 1, wherein, The display unit displays both the first display area and the second display area, and The control unit controls the display unit so that the display content of one of the first display area and the second display area changes in conjunction with the change of the display content of the other display area.

3. The marking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The historical storage unit groups the OK judgment results obtained by the pass or fail judgment unit as the result of the OK judgment, that is, each OK judgment result of at least a plurality of OK judgment results composed of time series, the captured images used to acquire each OK judgment result in a plurality of captured images composed of time series generated by the image acquisition unit, and the status information during the acquisition of each OK judgment result in a plurality of types of status information indicating the status of the laser marker, and stores them as historical information in relation to each other.

4. The marking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit controls the display unit to display status information associated with judgment results other than the NG judgment result specified by the receiving unit, or status information associated with captured images other than the captured images specified by the receiving unit, among the plurality of types of status information, on the display unit.

5. The marking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the NG judgment result or the captured image is specified via the receiving unit, the control unit displays, in chronological order, status information of at least one type of status information associated with the NG judgment result or the captured image on the display unit.

6. The marking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the NG judgment result or the captured image is specified via the receiving unit, the control unit displays on the display unit at least one of a line graph, bar graph, and scatter plot showing the change of status information over time related to at least one of the plurality of types of status information.

7. The marking system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The housing includes at least the laser output section and the laser scanning section disposed inside it; A power monitor is used to detect the output of the laser emitted from the laser output unit; A distance measuring mechanism, which is disposed inside or outside the housing, measures the distance from the housing to the workpiece; An image processing unit is used to identify the position of the workpiece in the captured image generated by the image acquisition unit when viewed along the area scanned in two dimensions by the laser scanning unit; A light-transmitting window is disposed in the housing of the laser marker, and the laser light from the two-dimensional scanning of the laser scanning unit passes through the light-transmitting window; as well as The contamination detection unit is used to detect contamination in the light-transmitting window. The history storage unit stores at least one or more of the following as status information of the plurality of types: the laser output detected by the power monitor, the distance to the workpiece measured by the distance measuring mechanism, the position of the workpiece identified by the image processing unit, and the contamination detected by the contamination detection unit.

8. The marking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The receiving unit is configured to receive an operation for correcting the judgment result obtained by the pass / fail judgment unit, and The control unit controls the display unit to reflect the correction made using the receiving unit.

9. A diagnostic support device for supporting the diagnosis of printing defects occurring on a workpiece during printing using a laser marker, the laser marker comprising: An excitation light generating unit is configured to generate excitation light; a laser output unit is configured to generate and emit laser light based on the excitation light generated by the excitation light generating unit; a laser scanning unit is configured to irradiate a workpiece with the laser light emitted from the laser output unit and to scan the surface of the workpiece in two dimensions; an image acquisition unit is configured to capture an image of the workpiece in the area scanned in two dimensions by the laser scanning unit to generate an image including at least a portion of the workpiece; and a condition setting storage unit is configured to store a threshold that defines the boundary between OK and NG judgments indicating whether the printing of the workpiece is qualified or unqualified. And a pass / fail determination unit, used to determine whether the printing applied to the workpiece is pass or fail using the captured image acquired by the image acquisition unit and a threshold stored in the condition setting storage unit. The diagnostic support device includes: The history storage unit is used to group and store as historical information each of the judgment results obtained by the pass or fail judgment unit, including at least the NG judgment result as the result of the NG judgment, the captured images used to acquire each judgment result among the multiple captured images generated by the image acquisition unit, which are composed of time series, and the state information during the acquisition of each judgment result among the multiple types of state information indicating the state of the laser marker. A display unit is configured to display at least one of a first display area and a second display area, wherein the first display area is configured to display, in chronological order, the plurality of judgment results stored in the history storage unit, side by side, and the second display area is configured to display, in chronological order, the captured images corresponding to the plurality of judgment results displayed in the first display area, side by side. A receiving unit is configured to receive operations for selecting one or more of the NG (Not From Good) judgment results displayed in the first display area and the captured images displayed in the second display area corresponding to the NG judgment results; and The control unit is configured to control the display unit when the NG judgment result or the captured image is selected via the receiving unit, such that the status information stored by the history storage unit in association with the NG judgment result or the captured image is displayed on the display unit among the multiple types of status information.

10. A diagnostic support method for using a computer to support the diagnosis of printing defects occurring on a workpiece during printing using a laser marker, said computer being provided with: a history storage unit for storing historical information; The display unit is used to display information to the user; The receiving unit is used to receive user operations; And a control unit for controlling the display unit; The laser marker includes: an excitation light generating unit for generating excitation light; a laser output unit for generating and emitting laser light based on the excitation light generated by the excitation light generating unit; a laser scanning unit for irradiating a workpiece with the laser light emitted from the laser output unit and scanning the surface of the workpiece in two dimensions; an image acquisition unit for capturing an image of the workpiece in the area scanned by the laser scanning unit in two dimensions to generate a captured image including at least a portion of the workpiece; a condition setting storage unit for storing a threshold that defines a boundary between an OK judgment and an NG judgment indicating whether the printing applied to the workpiece is qualified or unqualified; and a qualified or unqualified judgment unit for using the captured image acquired by the image acquisition unit and the threshold stored in the condition setting storage unit to determine whether the printing applied to the workpiece is qualified or unqualified. The diagnostic support method includes the following steps: The historical storage unit groups and stores as historical information each of the multiple judgment results consisting of a time series, including at least the NG judgment result as the result of the NG judgment, the captured images used to acquire each judgment result from the multiple captured images consisting of a time series generated by the image acquisition unit, and the state information during the acquisition of each judgment result from the multiple types of state information indicating the state of the laser marker. The display unit displays at least one of a first display area and a second display area, wherein the first display area is used to display the plurality of judgment results stored in the history storage unit side by side in chronological order, and the second display area is used to display the captured images corresponding to the plurality of judgment results displayed in the first display area side by side in chronological order; The receiving unit receives an operation to select one or more of the NG judgment results displayed in the first display area and the captured images displayed in the second display area that correspond to the NG judgment results; and When the receiving unit selects the NG judgment result or the captured image, the control unit controls the display unit, thereby displaying the status information stored by the history storage unit in association with the NG judgment result or the captured image on the display unit among the multiple types of status information.

11. A computer-readable storage medium storing a diagnostic support program for causing a computer to execute the diagnostic support method according to claim 10.

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