Laser printing device

Abstract

The invention provides a laser printing apparatus. A laser printing apparatus (L) includes a printing controller (100) that forms a printing process for forming a predetermined printing pattern (Pm) in a printing area (R1) and a pre-and-post-printing process performed before and after the printing process, a storage unit (303) that stores order information (Io), and a workflow editing unit (304c) that edits a workflow (Wf) including a series of processes of the printing process. And a receiving unit (304g) that receives, on the basis of a user input, a selection of a pre-and-post-printing process to be included in the workflow (Wf) from among the pre-and-post-printing processes displayed on the display unit (301), and the workflow editing unit (304c) adds the pre-and-post-printing process received and selected by the receiving unit (304g) to the workflow (Wf) on the basis of the order of the order information (Io) stored in the storage unit (303). The print controller (100) executes a print process and a pre-print and post-print process in the order specified by the edited workflow (Wf).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to laser printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-143785 discloses a laser processing system equipped with a laser marker as a laser printing device. Specifically, this laser processing system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-143785 is equipped with a camera whose imaging area is narrower than the processing area that can be irradiated by the laser. This camera has an imaging optical axis (receiving axis) separated from the laser optical axis (the laser's emission axis), and can capture images of designated positions within the processing area.

[0003] Furthermore, the laser processing system described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-143785 calculates the position and orientation errors of the workpiece based on images taken within the processing area.

[0004] On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-104156 discloses an example of a laser processing apparatus, namely a laser marker.

[0005] Specifically, the laser marker disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-104156 is equipped with a range-measuring light emitting unit that emits range-measuring light, a light-receiving element that receives range-measuring light reflected by the workpiece (workpiece), and a distance measuring unit that measures the distance from the laser marker to the surface of the workpiece (workpiece) based on the light-receiving position of the range-measuring light in the light-receiving element.

[0006] Furthermore, as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2012-143785 and 2020-104156, the position and orientation errors of the workpiece can be calculated, or the distance to the workpiece surface can be measured, before and after the workpiece is irradiated with a laser. These calculations and measurements can be used for various processes before and after laser marking (hereinafter referred to as "printing processing").

[0007] When performing multiple such processes, it is convenient to set the execution order of each process and execute them according to that setting. However, traditionally, in order to properly set the execution order, it has been considered necessary to have a grasp of the function of each process. From a user convenience point of view, this requires the user to have knowledge of the function of each process.

[0008] Furthermore, even for users with various processing-related knowledge, setting up the above execution order after taking this knowledge into account still takes time, which is still inconvenient from the perspective of user convenience. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned problems and aims to improve the user convenience of laser printing devices.

[0010] The first aspect of this disclosure relates to a laser printing apparatus. The laser printing apparatus includes: a laser generating unit for generating laser light that irradiates a printing area on a workpiece; a laser scanning unit for performing a two-dimensional scan of the laser light generated by the laser generating unit within the printing area; an imaging unit for acquiring an image by imaging the workpiece; a distance detection unit for outputting a detection signal representing the distance from a distance measurement position on the surface of the workpiece; and a control unit for performing a printing process by controlling the laser generating unit and the laser scanning unit to form a predetermined printing pattern within the printing area, and simultaneously performing a pre-printing processing by controlling at least one of the imaging unit and the distance detection unit to acquire information about at least one of the position and orientation of the workpiece before performing the printing process; and a post-printing processing by controlling at least one of the imaging unit and the distance measurement unit to acquire relevant information about the printing pattern formed by the printing process after performing the printing process, comprising at least one of these pre- and post-printing processes.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the first method described above, the laser printing apparatus further comprises: a sequence information storage unit that stores sequence information corresponding to each of the pre- and post-printing processes; a trigger signal receiving unit that receives a trigger signal input that causes the control unit to execute the printing process; a workflow editing unit that edits a series of processes executed by the control unit and including the printing process from the input of the trigger signal to the state where the trigger signal input can be received again; a display unit that displays the pre- and post-printing processes stored in the sequence information storage unit and corresponding to the sequence information; and a receiving unit that receives a selection of pre- and post-printing processes to be included in the workflow from the pre- and post-printing processes displayed on the display unit according to user input. The workflow editing unit adds the selected pre- and post-printing processes to the workflow including the printing process in a corresponding order according to the sequence information stored in the sequence information storage unit. The control unit executes the printing process and the pre- and post-printing processes in the order specified by the workflow in which the pre- and post-printing processes have been added by the workflow editing unit.

[0012] According to the first method described above, the workflow editing department edits a series of processes, including printing, based on user input. During editing, the workflow editing department adds the selected pre- and post-printing processes received by the receiving department to the workflow in the order corresponding to pre-stored sequence information.

[0013] With this configuration, even without requiring knowledge of the function of each process, a workflow that specifies the execution order of each process can be appropriately set up, and each process can be executed according to this setting. Furthermore, even users with knowledge of the function of each process can quickly set up the workflow without having to make step-by-step judgments based on that knowledge. Therefore, the configuration described above in the first manner improves the user convenience of the laser printing device.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the second aspect of this disclosure, the distance detection unit can detect the receiving position of the ranging light emitted by the laser scanning unit toward the ranging position and reflected at the ranging position, and output a detection signal representing the distance to the ranging position based on the receiving position.

[0015] According to the second method described above, by emitting ranging light through the laser scanning unit, the illumination position of the ranging light can be changed with high precision. This improves the user convenience of the laser printing device.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the third aspect of this disclosure, the display unit displays a setting interface corresponding to the printing area, and displays an imaging image generated by the imaging unit on the setting interface. The laser printing apparatus further includes: a printing setting unit that sets the position and orientation of a print pattern to be printed on the workpiece on the setting interface displayed on the display unit; a printing data generation unit that generates corresponding printing data based on the print pattern set by the printing setting unit; and a focus adjustment unit that is located between the laser generation unit and the laser scanning unit and adjusts the focus position of the laser generated by the laser generation unit. The pre-printing processing includes one or more of the following: a first printing pre-processing that determines the position and orientation of the workpiece relative to the laser printing apparatus based on the imaging image acquired by the imaging unit, and corrects the position and orientation of the print pattern based on the position and orientation of the workpiece, thereby correcting the print data; a second printing pre-processing that determines the position and orientation of the workpiece relative to the laser printing apparatus based on the imaging image acquired by the imaging unit, and decides whether to print the workpiece based on the determination result; a third printing pre-processing that adjusts the focus position by the focus adjustment unit based on the distance to the measuring position acquired by the distance detection unit; and a fourth printing pre-processing that decides whether to print the workpiece based on the distance to the measuring position acquired by the distance detection unit.

[0017] According to the third method described above, the pre-printing processing associated with this method may include multiple processes combining the imaging unit and the distance detection unit. From a user convenience perspective, it is inconvenient to require the user to manually set the execution order of these processes.

[0018] The third method described above can execute each process in the appropriate order without asking the user's knowledge, even when the pre-printing process may involve multiple processes, thus helping to improve user convenience.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, when the receiving unit receives a selection from both the first and second print preprocessing, the workflow editing unit may selectively add one of the first and second print preprocessing to the workflow.

[0020] The settings and processes of the first and second print preprocessing are largely overlapping, and they are not actually used concurrently. The first print preprocessing performs more advanced processing such as print data correction, but because some settings require prior knowledge, it may not be easy for inexperienced users to use. Although the second print preprocessing does not perform as advanced processing as the first, it is easy to use even for inexperienced users.

[0021] Therefore, the workflow editorial department, in relation to the fourth approach mentioned above, only adds one of the processes to the workflow if they are not expected to be used simultaneously. As a result, it becomes possible to create more appropriate workflows.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure, when the receiving unit receives a selection from both the third and fourth print preprocessing, the workflow editing unit may selectively add one of the third and fourth print preprocessing to the workflow.

[0023] The settings and processes in the third and fourth pre-printing processes largely overlap, and they are not actually used concurrently. The third pre-printing process performs more advanced processing such as print data correction, but because some settings require prior knowledge, it may not be easy for inexperienced users to use. While the fourth pre-printing process does not perform as advanced processing as the third, it is still easy to use even for inexperienced users.

[0024] Therefore, the workflow editorial department, in relation to the fifth method mentioned above, only adds one of the processes to the workflow if they are not expected to be used simultaneously. As a result, it is possible to create more appropriate workflows.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the sixth method of this disclosure, the above sequence information may specify that the first or second pre-printing process should be performed before the third or fourth pre-printing process.

[0026] According to the sixth method described above, the laser printing device determines the position and orientation of the workpiece through the first or second printing preprocessing, and then performs the third or fourth printing preprocessing after the determination result. By performing the processes in this order, the ranging position can be adjusted according to the position and orientation of the workpiece. This allows for the use of a more appropriate ranging position.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the seventh method of this disclosure, when the workflow specifies that the third printing preprocessing is performed after the first printing preprocessing, the control unit can correct the ranging position based on the position and orientation of the workpiece determined by the first printing preprocessing, and simultaneously perform the third printing preprocessing based on the corrected ranging position.

[0028] According to the seventh method described above, when the third printing preprocessing is performed after the first printing preprocessing, the execution result of the first printing preprocessing can be used to correct the focal position based on the measurement result of the corrected distance measurement position while the distance measurement position is corrected. In this way, the measurement position can be corrected considering workpiece position offset, and then the focal position can be adjusted, maintaining high printing accuracy even if the workpiece position offset occurs.

[0029] Setting up a workflow that reflects this processing order is not always easy, but by automatically adjusting the execution order based on sequence information, as in this embodiment, user convenience can be improved.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure, at least one of the pre-printing processing and the post-printing processing further includes a maintenance process in which the control unit controls the distance detection unit to obtain maintenance information of the laser printing device, and the sequence information is specified to also include the execution order of the maintenance process.

[0031] The aforementioned maintenance procedures involve the control of the imaging unit and the distance detection unit. Therefore, it can be assumed that there is an appropriate execution order for the first to fourth pre-printing processes described above. However, setting the appropriate execution order is not easy for inexperienced users.

[0032] In contrast, according to the eighth method described above, the sequence information is specified as the execution order of maintenance processes. Therefore, when editing workflows, the execution order of maintenance processes can also be automatically specified, which helps improve user convenience.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the ninth embodiment of this disclosure, the distance detection unit has an emitting unit that emits ranging light to the laser scanning unit, and a receiving unit that receives ranging light emitted from the emitting unit and reflected by the workpiece through the laser scanning unit. The laser printing apparatus includes: a housing that houses the laser generating unit and the laser scanning unit; a transparent component disposed on the housing for transmitting laser light that is scanned in two dimensions by the laser scanning unit; and a window inspection unit that detects and outputs dirt on the transparent component as maintenance information by determining ranging light reflected by the transparent component in the ranging light received by the receiving unit. The pre-printing processing includes the maintenance processing, and the sequence information specifies that the maintenance processing is performed before the first to fourth pre-printing processes.

[0034] According to the ninth method described above, when the laser printing device prints on a workpiece, the laser emitted from the laser generating unit irradiates the workpiece through the laser scanning unit and the transparent component. By scanning the laser irradiating the workpiece, printing can be performed on the workpiece.

[0035] Here, if dirt adheres to the transparent part, the light-receiving part should only receive the ranging light reflected by the workpiece, but in reality it will receive the ranging light reflected by the transparent part. This ranging light may replace or be added to the ranging light that should have been received.

[0036] Here, the distance to the transparent component does not vary with the type of workpiece. Therefore, the position of light exposure caused by dirt on the transparent component can be predicted in advance.

[0037] Therefore, by considering the positions of each light-receiving point, the window inspection unit can determine the ranging light caused by the light reflected from the transparent component from the ranging light received by the ranging light receiving unit. Thus, the window inspection unit can detect dirt on the transparent component.

[0038] Dirt buildup on the transparent components is inconvenient for processes such as the first to fourth pre-printing treatments, which require the passage of ranging and imaging light through these components. Therefore, by configuring the system to perform maintenance before these first to fourth pre-printing treatments, the laser printing unit can be stopped in advance if any abnormalities or signs of abnormality are detected in the maintenance information. This improves user convenience.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure, the post-printing processing includes: an inspection process that inspects the workpiece on which the printed pattern has been printed by the printing process based on the imaging image acquired by the imaging unit, wherein the sequence information specifies that the maintenance process is performed after the inspection process.

[0040] Maintenance processing is essentially a check of the laser printer's own condition, so it can be performed smoothly even if the printed workpiece is far from the printer. On the other hand, inspection processing requires imaging the workpiece, so it cannot be performed if the printed workpiece has moved away from the printer. Therefore, performing maintenance processing after inspection is more convenient.

[0041] On the other hand, for users who are not familiar with maintenance procedures, scheduling maintenance after inspection and processing may not be easy.

[0042] In contrast, as in the 10th method mentioned above, by specifying the sequence information so that maintenance processes are executed after inspection processes, even less experienced users can build more appropriate workflows. This improves user convenience.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the 11th embodiment of this disclosure, the display unit can display: a workflow display area that visualizes the workflow structure reflecting the execution order of pre- and post-printing processes, and a workflow selection area that is displayed independently of the workflow display area, lists the pre- and post-printing processes, and accepts user input for selecting pre- and post-printing processes.

[0044] According to the aforementioned 11th method, the display unit independently displays the process display area and the process selection area. This structure helps improve user convenience.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the 12th embodiment of this disclosure, the display unit displays a switching unit in the workflow displayed in the workflow display area, which is used to switch whether each of the pre- and post-printing processes constituting the workflow is executed. The receiving unit accepts user input to select whether to execute the process through the switching unit, and the control unit executes the printing process and the pre- and post-printing processes in a manner that reflects the user input through the switching unit.

[0046] According to the aforementioned method 12, the individual processes constituting the workflow can be switched on and off individually without changing the workflow structure itself each time. This improves user convenience.

[0047] As described above, the user convenience of laser printing devices can be improved according to this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of an example laser printing system;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the general structure of an example laser printing device;

[0050] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the detailed contents of the example setup device;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a rough outline of an example printhead;

[0052] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the sample printhead appearance;

[0053] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the ranging unit and the triangulation method;

[0054] Figure 7 It is a flowchart showing the steps for using a laser printing system;

[0055] Figure 8 It is a list that displays details of pre-print processing, print processing, and post-print processing, including whether each process can be used together, the order information, and examples of the uses of each process;

[0056] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating example print settings and workflow editing processes;

[0057] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the example print area and the settings interface;

[0058] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the content displayed in the example display section;

[0059] Figure 12 This is a diagram used to illustrate pattern search;

[0060] Figure 13 This is a diagram used to illustrate tilt correction;

[0061] Figure 14 This is a diagram used to illustrate height detection;

[0062] Figure 15 This is a diagram used to illustrate window inspection;

[0063] Figure 16 This diagram illustrates the effect of dirt on transparent components;

[0064] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of the editing steps in the example workflow;

[0065] Figure 18 This is a screenshot of the editing screen for an example workflow;

[0066] Figure 19 This is a screenshot of the editing screen for an example workflow;

[0067] Figure 20 This is a screenshot of the editing screen for an example workflow;

[0068] Figure 21This is a diagram comparing the setup steps for XYθ correction and image recognition;

[0069] Figure 22 This is a diagram comparing the setup steps for height correction and height detection;

[0070] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of pre-printing processing;

[0071] Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of pre-printing processing;

[0072] Figure 25 This is a diagram used to illustrate trapezoidal correction;

[0073] Figure 26 It is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the workpiece's positional offset and the focal point position. Detailed Implementation

[0074] The embodiments of this disclosure are described below based on the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following descriptions are examples.

[0075] That is, although this specification describes a laser printing device, this disclosure is not limited to the name "laser printing device" and can be applied to laser application equipment such as "laser markers" and "laser processing devices" that can perform laser-based printing (laser printing).

[0076] Furthermore, while text markings are used as representative examples of printing in this specification, "printing" in this disclosure is not limited to text markings. Printing in this disclosure can be applied to "non-text markings" such as graphic markings.

[0077] In addition, "non-textual markings" include not only graphic markings such as ":" and "×", but also QR code markings such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademarks). The term "graphic" includes not only geometric shapes such as "×", but also arbitrary shapes such as symbols. The shapes of the marked text and various graphics are collectively referred to as "printed patterns" and represented by the symbol "Pm".

[0078] In the following description, "laser printing," "marking," "printing processing," or "processing" may sometimes be used instead of the term "printing."

[0079] <1. Overall Composition>

[0080] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of an example laser printing system S. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the laser printing device L in the example laser printing system S. Figure 3 This is a block diagram detailing the setup device 300. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the approximate structure of example printhead 1.

[0081] like Figure 1 As shown, the laser printing system S includes a laser printing device L and an external device 400 connected to the laser printing device L.

[0082] in, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The laser printing apparatus L shown is configured to print a predetermined pattern Pm within the printing area R1 by controlling the laser generating unit 2 and the laser scanning unit 4, which will be described later.

[0083] Furthermore, the printing area R1 mentioned here, such as Figure 1 As shown, this is the area set on the surface of the object to be printed, i.e., workpiece W, corresponding to the setting interface R2 in the same figure. For example, in Figure 1 In this configuration, the printing area R1 is shaped as a rectangular region. Furthermore, the setting interface R2, as described here, is equivalent to a virtual surface that can be displayed on the display unit 301 of the setting device 300. As described later, the setting interface R2 is used for various settings related to laser printing. The printing area R1 can be configured to include the entire workpiece W, or it can be configured to include only a portion of the workpiece W.

[0084] The laser printing device L is a device that prints by irradiating a workpiece W with a laser generated in its print head 1, and performing a three-dimensional scan on the surface of the workpiece W. The term "three-dimensional scan" here refers to a combination of the two-dimensional action of the laser irradiation position scanning the surface of the workpiece W (i.e., "two-dimensional scanning") and the one-dimensional action of adjusting the laser focus position. It should be noted that three-dimensional scanning is not mandatory. The laser printing device L only needs to be capable of performing at least two-dimensional scanning.

[0085] In particular, the laser printing apparatus L associated with this embodiment is capable of emitting a laser for printing on a workpiece W, the laser being contained in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range, for example, a laser having a wavelength of approximately 355 nm. In the following description, the laser used for printing on the workpiece W may be referred to as a "UV laser" or a "marking laser" to distinguish it from other lasers.

[0086] Furthermore, the laser emitted by the laser printer L is not limited to ultraviolet laser. The laser printer L can also emit lasers with wavelengths encompassing the near-infrared (NIR) range. When using lasers with wavelengths encompassing the NIR range, simply replace the term "ultraviolet laser" with "near-infrared laser."

[0087] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the laser printing device L of this embodiment includes a print head 1, a print controller 100, a connecting cable 200, and a setting device 300.

[0088] The print head 1, controlled by the print controller 100, is able to emit a printing laser into the printing area R1. The print head 1 is also able to perform three-dimensional scanning of the printing laser within the printing area R1.

[0089] In addition, to realize various functions related to laser printing, the printhead 1 is equipped with a ranging unit 5 that emits and receives ranging light, a guiding light source 61 for projecting the printed pattern Pm onto the workpiece W, a coaxial camera 62 that receives imaging light (hereinafter referred to as "imaging light") and forms an image, and a wide-area camera 7 that receives imaging light and forms an image separately from the coaxial camera 62 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2 and Figure 4 ).

[0090] like Figure 4 As shown, in addition to the laser used for printing, the print head 1 can also perform two-dimensional scanning of the guide light emitted from the guide light source 61, the ranging light emitted from the ranging unit 5 and reflected and received by the workpiece W, and the imaging light received by the coaxial camera 62 for generating an imaging image Pw. As described later, this two-dimensional scanning is achieved by the head control unit 102 operating the laser scanning unit 4.

[0091] In other words, the optical axis of the marking laser (laser optical axis A1) is designed to be coaxial with the optical axis of the guide light emitted from the guide light source 61 (guide optical axis A2), the optical axis of the ranging light emitted from the ranging unit 5 and reflected and received by the workpiece W (ranging optical axis A3), and the optical axis of the visible light received by the coaxial camera 62 (imaging optical axis A4). Hereinafter, the coaxial optical axes may be collectively referred to as the "scanning axis Ax".

[0092] On the other hand, the optical axis (imaging optical axis A5) of the visible light received by the wide-area camera 7 is not coaxial with respect to the laser optical axis A1. Hereinafter, the imaging optical axis A4 associated with the coaxial camera 62 may be referred to as the "first imaging optical axis A4", and the imaging optical axis A5 associated with the wide-area camera 7 may be referred to as the "second imaging optical axis A5".

[0093] The print controller 100 is configured as a controller for controlling the print head 1. Furthermore, the print controller 100 can store settings related to the print pattern Pm, such as storing various conditions (printing conditions) for printing the desired print pattern Pm, or correcting these printing conditions. In this embodiment, the print controller 100 is separate from the print head 1.

[0094] The connecting cable 200 electrically connects the print head 1 and the print controller 100. This connecting cable 200, for example, consists of electrical wiring capable of sending and receiving electrical signals between the print head 1 and the print controller 100.

[0095] Furthermore, as described later, when the excitation light generating unit 110 is arranged within the print controller 100, the connecting cable 200 can be constructed by combining an optical fiber cable with the aforementioned electrical wiring.

[0096] More generally, one of the printhead 1 and the print controller 100 can be embedded into the other to achieve integration. In this case, unnecessary wiring can be appropriately omitted.

[0097] The setting device 300 serves as a terminal for setting various printing conditions and displaying laser printing-related information to the user. This setting device 300, for example, has a central processing unit (CPU) and memory, and can connect to the print controller 100 via wired or wireless means for transmitting and receiving electrical signals.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the device 300 is composed of a personal computer such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration.

[0099] The setup device 300 can be a dedicated terminal, such as a touchscreen console, that can be connected to the laser printer L. Alternatively, the setup device 300 can be integrated into the print controller 100 for unified operation.

[0100] External device 400 is connected to print controller 100 as needed. Figure 1 In the example shown, the external device 400 consists of a conveyor speed sensor 401 and a programmable logic controller (PLC) 402.

[0101] The conveyor speed sensor 401, for example, is a rotary encoder, capable of detecting the conveyor speed of the workpiece W. The conveyor speed sensor 401 outputs a signal (detection signal) indicating its detection result to the print controller 100. Based on the detection signal input from the conveyor speed sensor 401, the print controller 100 controls the two-dimensional scanning of the marking laser, etc.

[0102] The PLC402, for example, is composed of a microprocessor and is capable of inputting trigger signals to the print controller 100. The PLC402 is used to control the laser printing system S according to a predetermined sequence.

[0103] In addition to the aforementioned equipment and devices, the laser printing device L can also be connected wirelessly or wired to devices for operation and control, computers for various other processing, storage devices, peripheral devices, etc.

[0104] The hardware configurations of the setting device 300, the print controller 100, and the print head 1 will be described in turn, as well as the configuration related to the data setting sent from the setting device 300 to the print controller 100, and the configuration related to the control of the print head 1 by the print controller 100 based on the data setting.

[0105] <2. Setting device 300>

[0106] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the setting device 300 of this embodiment includes a display unit 301, an operation unit 302, a storage unit 303, and a processing unit 304. The setting device 300 is a terminal operated by a user and can be referred to as an "operation terminal".

[0107] (Display Unit 301)

[0108] The display unit 301 displays information to the user. Specifically, the display unit 301 displays information to the user through its display screen. The display unit 301 may be composed of a liquid crystal display or an organic EL panel.

[0109] Furthermore, the display screen of the display unit 301 can also serve as a screen for receiving user input (hereinafter referred to as "user input") via the operation unit 302. Specifically, the display unit 301 related to this embodiment displays a setting interface R2 corresponding to the printing area R1. On this setting interface R2, a first interface If1, described later, and an input interface Iu for receiving the print pattern Pm input are configured.

[0110] The input interface Iu consists of a graphical user interface (GUI) including a frame representing the scope of the setting interface R2 and graphics representing the position and orientation of the print pattern Pm on the setting interface R2. The input interface Iu can accept input of the print pattern Pm according to user input, and simultaneously display the content of the received print pattern Pm on the setting interface R2.

[0111] Furthermore, the setting device 300 does not necessarily need to have a display unit 301. The display unit 301 can be provided by the print controller 100 or the print head 1. For example, when the setting device 300 is embedded in the print controller 100, or when a touch screen console is used, the display screen set on the print controller 100 or the console can be used as the display unit.

[0112] Alternatively, the display unit of this disclosure can be configured as a display separate from the setting device 300, the print controller 100, and the print head 1.

[0113] (Operations Department 302)

[0114] The operation unit 302 receives the user input and inputs the corresponding electrical signal to the CPU or the like. The operation unit 302 may consist of a keyboard or a pointing device. Pointing devices include a mouse, a joystick, etc.

[0115] Furthermore, the setting device 300 does not necessarily need to have an operation unit 302. The operation unit 302 can be provided by the print controller 100 or the print head 1. For example, when the setting device 300 is embedded in the print controller 100, or when a touch screen console is used, the switches, buttons, etc. provided on the print controller 100 or the console can be used as scanning units.

[0116] (Storage Department 303)

[0117] Storage unit 303 stores various types of information. Storage unit 303 is composed of volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM) and non-volatile memory such as hard disk drive (HDD) and solid-state drive (SSD). Storage unit 303 temporarily or continuously stores information input by the user through operation unit 302, information preset by the manufacturer, or information sent and received with print controller 100 each time.

[0118] (Processing Department 304)

[0119] The processing unit 304 performs various processes based on the stored contents of the storage unit 303. The processing unit 304 is composed of one or more processors (e.g., CPUs).

[0120] The processing unit 304 performs processing corresponding to each function to achieve multiple different functions. For example, the processing unit 304 can set the print pattern Pm to be printed on the workpiece W and the printing conditions for printing the print pattern Pm according to user input. This function is implemented, for example, by the print setting unit 304a of the processing unit 304.

[0121] The print pattern Pm and print conditions set by the processing unit 304 are either stored in the storage unit 303 of the setting device 300 or output to the print controller 100 and then stored in the storage unit 101 of the print controller 100. Hereinafter, the combination of print pattern Pm and print conditions will be referred to as "print settings". As needed, these print settings can be stored in the storage unit 303 of the setting device 300.

[0122] (Other constituent elements)

[0123] In addition, such as Figure 3As shown, the processing unit 304 related to this embodiment also includes a print setting unit 304a, a print data generation unit 304b, a workflow editing unit 304c, a pre-print processing setting unit 304d, a post-print processing setting unit 304e, a GUI control unit 304f, and a receiving unit 304g. Details will be described later, but some or all of these elements may be incorporated into the print controller 100 instead of the setting device 300.

[0124] <3. Printer Controller 100>

[0125] like Figure 2 As shown, the print controller 100 includes a storage unit 101 for storing print settings sent from the setting device 300, a head control unit 102 for controlling the print head 1 based on the print settings, an excitation light generating unit 110 for generating laser excitation light (excitation light), and a trigger signal receiving unit 120. It should be noted that the print controller 100 does not necessarily need to have an excitation light generating unit 110; the print head 1 may also have an excitation light generating unit 110. Similarly, the trigger signal receiving unit 120 may also be provided on the setting device 300.

[0126] (Storage Department 101)

[0127] The storage unit 101 is configured to store the printing settings determined by the setting device 300 and output its stored contents to the head control unit 102 as needed.

[0128] Specifically, the storage unit 101 is composed of volatile memory such as RAM and ROM and non-volatile memory such as HDD and SSD, and can temporarily or continuously store information representing print settings. In addition, when the setting device 300 is embedded in the print controller 100, the storage unit 303 of the setting device 300 can also serve as the storage unit 101.

[0129] (Head control unit 102)

[0130] The head control unit 102 controls the laser generating unit 2 and the laser scanning unit 4 to perform printing processing to form a predetermined print pattern Pm within the printing area R1. Specifically, the head control unit 102 controls the excitation light generating unit 110, the laser generating unit 2, and the laser scanning unit 4, etc., according to the printing settings stored in the storage unit 101. As the head control unit 102 performs printing processing, laser printing (printing action) of the print head 1 is executed.

[0131] Specifically, the head control unit 102 has a CPU, memory, and an input / output bus. It generates control signals based on signals indicated by information input through the setting device 300 and signals indicated by printing conditions (details will be explained later) read from the storage unit 101. The head control unit 102 controls the laser printing of the workpiece W by outputting the control signals generated in this way to various parts of the laser printing apparatus L.

[0132] For example, when the laser printing of workpiece W begins, the head control unit 102 reads the laser power stored in the storage unit 101, generates a control signal based on the laser power, and outputs it to the excitation light generation unit 110, thereby controlling the generation of laser excitation light.

[0133] Furthermore, when the head control unit 102 actually prints on the workpiece W, it reads the printing pattern Pm stored in the storage unit 101, and generates a control signal based on the printing pattern Pm, which is then output to the laser scanning unit 4 to perform two-dimensional scanning of the printing laser. In this way, the head control unit 102 can control the laser scanning unit 4 to achieve two-dimensional scanning of the printing laser.

[0134] (Excitation light generation section 110)

[0135] The excitation light generating unit 110 oscillates a laser according to a drive current and focuses the oscillating laser light as laser excitation light (excitation light) for output. Specifically, the excitation light generating unit 110 in this embodiment is composed of an excitation light source for oscillating laser light and a focusing unit for focusing the laser light. The excitation light source may be composed of a laser diode (LD). The focusing unit may be composed of a focusing lens.

[0136] The excitation light generated by the excitation light generating unit 110 is input to the laser generating unit 2.

[0137] (Trigger signal receiver 120)

[0138] The trigger signal receiving unit 120 receives a trigger signal input. This trigger signal acts as a trigger to cause the head control unit 102 to perform printing processing. Specifically, in this embodiment, the trigger signal receiving unit 120 is electrically connected to the PLC 402 and receives the trigger signal output from the PLC 402. When a trigger signal is received, the trigger signal receiving unit 120 inputs an electrical signal indicating this condition to the head control unit 102. Upon receiving this electrical signal, the head control unit 102 performs the aforementioned printing processing.

[0139] (Other constituent elements)

[0140] In addition, such as Figure 2As shown, the print controller 100 associated with this embodiment also includes a distance measurement unit 103, an XYθ processing unit 131, a Z processing unit 132, a window inspection unit 151, a log storage unit 152, a code reading unit 153, and a print confirmation unit 154. Details will be described later. These elements are comprised of one or more CPUs and perform various processes related to laser printing. Furthermore, some or all of these elements may be incorporated into the setting device 300 instead of the print controller 100. Moreover, the above classification is merely for convenience. For example, the Z processing unit 132 or the distance measurement unit 103 may also function as the window inspection unit 151, and the distance measurement unit 103 may also function as the Z processing unit 132.

[0141] <4. Printhead 1>

[0142] Figure 4 This is an example. Figure 2 The diagram shows a schematic configuration of the printhead 1 and a block diagram of the optical axis associated with the ranging light. Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the appearance of example printhead 1. Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the ranging unit 5 and the triangulation method.

[0143] Printhead 1 generates a laser (marking laser) based on excitation light and projects this laser onto the workpiece W. The laser projected onto the workpiece W performs a three-dimensional scan as described above.

[0144] Specifically, the printhead 1 is equipped with a laser generation unit 2, a height direction scanning unit 3 with a focus adjustment unit 33, a laser scanning unit 4, a print area inspection unit 6 with a coaxial camera 62, a wide area camera 7, and a chassis 10.

[0145] like Figure 4 As shown, the chassis 10 houses a laser generating unit 2, a height direction scanning unit 3 with a focus adjustment unit 33, a laser scanning unit 4, a print area inspection unit 6 with a coaxial camera 62, and a wide-area camera 7.

[0146] like Figure 5 As shown, the bottom surface of the chassis 10 is divided by a plate-shaped base plate 10a. An emission window 19 is provided on this base plate 10a for emitting a printing laser from the print head 1 to the outside of the print head 1. The emission window 19 is constructed by embedding a plate-shaped transparent component 19a into a through hole extending through the thickness direction of the base plate 10a. This transparent component 19a allows the two-dimensional scanning printing laser, guide light, and ranging light to pass through.

[0147] In addition, such as Figure 3As shown, a plurality of illuminations 18 are arranged around the exit window 19. In this embodiment, the plurality of illuminations 18 consists of four illuminations 18 (only two are shown in the illustration). These illuminations 18 are electrically connected to the print controller 100. These illuminations 18 emit light after receiving control signals from the print controller 100, illuminating the printing area R1.

[0148] Furthermore, the emission window 19 is configured at a reference position, the optical path length of which is known between the position and the ranging light emission section 51 in the ranging unit 5. This configuration is effective in the "window check" discussed later.

[0149] like Figure 5 As shown, the transparent component 19a of the exit window 19 is designed to allow both the scanning axis Ax scanned by the laser scanning unit 4 and the second imaging optical axis A5 not scanned by the laser scanning unit 4 to pass through. As mentioned earlier, the scanning axis Ax is formed by coaxializing the laser optical axis A1, the guide optical axis A2, the first imaging optical axis A4, and the ranging optical axis A3.

[0150] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, regarding the laser propagation direction, the height direction scanning unit 3 and the focus adjustment unit 33 are located between the laser generation unit 2 and the laser scanning unit 4.

[0151] Furthermore, in the following description, Figure 5 The length direction of the chassis 10 may be simply referred to as the "length direction," "front-to-back direction," or "X-direction," and the width direction of the chassis 10 in the same diagram may be simply referred to as the "width direction," "left-to-right direction," or "Y-direction." Similarly, Figure 5 The height direction of the middle chassis 10 may be simply referred to as the "height direction", "vertical direction" or "Z direction".

[0152] (Laser generation unit 2)

[0153] The laser generating unit 2 generates a marking laser that irradiates the printing area R1 of the workpiece W. Specifically, the laser generating unit 2 generates a marking laser based on the excitation light generated by the excitation light generating unit 110, and outputs the marking laser to the outside of the laser generating unit 2 (e.g., the height direction scanning unit 3).

[0154] Specifically, the laser generation unit 2 includes a laser oscillator 21, a beam sampler 22, and a power monitor 23. The laser oscillator 21 generates a laser with a predetermined wavelength based on excitation light, and simultaneously performs wavelength conversion and amplification to oscillate a laser for printing. The beam sampler 22 separates a portion of the laser for printing oscillated by the laser oscillator 21. The power monitor 23 receives the laser for printing separated by the beam sampler 22 as input.

[0155] The laser oscillator 21 includes: a laser medium 21a, which undergoes stimulated emission of excitation light to generate a fundamental wave; a nonlinear optical crystal 21b, which generates a laser for printing by modulating the fundamental wave; a Q-switch (not shown) that causes the fundamental wave emitted from the laser medium 21a to pulse oscillate; and a pair of mirrors (not shown) that cause the pulse oscillating laser generated by the Q-switch to resonate.

[0156] Furthermore, the nonlinear optical crystal 21b is not necessary. For example, when a near-infrared laser is used as the printing laser, the nonlinear optical crystal 21b is not required. In this case, the aforementioned fundamental wave will be used as the printing laser.

[0157] The laser medium 21a is a so-called solid-state laser crystal. For example, rod-shaped Nd:YVO4 (yttrium vanadate) can be used as a solid-state laser crystal. Therefore, the laser oscillator 21 can emit laser light (near-infrared laser) with a wavelength of approximately 1064 nm as the fundamental wave. In this process, the fundamental wave can be generated by any method, such as end-pumped unidirectional excitation.

[0158] The nonlinear optical crystal 21b can be composed of multiple optical crystals, such as an optical crystal for generating the second harmonic and an optical crystal for generating the third harmonic. Various optical crystals can be made from a variety of optical materials. The nonlinear optical crystal 21b is an optical element used to lengthen the fundamental wavelength, essentially functioning as a "wavelength conversion element."

[0159] For example, LBO (LiB3O3) can be used as a first wavelength conversion element to generate a second harmonic with twice the frequency of the fundamental wave. Similarly, LBO (LiB3O3) can also be used as a second wavelength conversion element to generate a third harmonic with three times the frequency of the fundamental wave. However, this is not the only example. Various types of optical materials, such as organic nonlinear optical materials or other inorganic nonlinear optical materials, can be used.

[0160] In addition, the power monitor 23 detects the output of the printing laser. The power monitor 23 is electrically connected to the print controller 100 and can output its detection signal to the head control unit 102, etc.

[0161] The printing laser generated by the laser generation unit 2 reaches the laser scanning unit 4 via the height direction scanning unit 3. The optical axis (laser optical axis A1) extending along the propagation direction of the printing laser can be divided into two parts by the focus adjustment unit 33.

[0162] Hereinafter, the laser optical axis A1 connecting the laser generating unit 2 and the focus adjustment unit 33 will be referred to as the upstream laser optical axis A11, and the laser optical axis connecting the focus adjustment unit 33 and the laser scanning unit 4 will be referred to as the downstream laser optical axis A12.

[0163] (Height direction scanning unit 3)

[0164] As described above, the height-direction scanning unit 3 is located between the laser generating unit 2 and the laser scanning unit 4. The height-direction scanning unit 3 functions as a hub, optically connecting the laser generating unit 2 and the laser scanning unit 4, and simultaneously optically connecting the print area inspection unit 6 and the laser scanning unit 4.

[0165] Specifically, the height-direction scanning unit 3 of this embodiment includes a first optical component 31, a second optical component 32, and the aforementioned focus adjustment unit 33. For example... Figure 4 As implied, these elements are arranged sequentially from top to bottom in a vertical direction.

[0166] The first optical component 31 is, for example, a reflector that reflects the laser used for printing. The first optical component 31 reflects the marking laser emitted from the laser generating unit 2 and guides it to the focus adjustment unit 33 by bending the upstream laser optical axis A11 downward.

[0167] The focus adjustment unit 33 adjusts the focus position of the printing laser generated by the laser generation unit. The printing laser passing through the focus adjustment unit 33 is incident on the laser scanning unit 4 through the second optical component 32.

[0168] Specifically, the focus adjustment unit 33 allows the marking laser output from the laser generation unit 2 and reflected by the first optical component 31 to pass through, while adjusting the focus position of the marking laser.

[0169] The focus adjustment unit 33 also emits a printing laser through it to the second optical component 32. The printing laser that reaches the second optical component 32 is then guided by the second optical component 32 to the laser scanning unit 4.

[0170] Omitted details, the focus adjustment unit 33 includes, for example, an incident lens through which the printing laser output from the laser generation unit 2 passes, a collimating lens through which the printing laser passing through the incident lens passes, an exiting lens through which the printing laser passing through the incident lens and the collimating lens passes, and a lens drive unit for moving the incident lens.

[0171] When adjusting the focal position, for example, the lens drive unit is driven based on a control signal from the head control unit 102. Through this operation, for the printing laser, the optical axes of the incident lens, collimating lens, and exit lens are kept coaxial, while the relative distance between the incident lens and the exit lens is changed. This change causes a displacement in the focal position of the printing laser irradiating the workpiece W.

[0172] The focal position of the printing laser is shifted towards and away from the exit window 19 of the print head 1. In other words, the focal adjustment unit 33, which is a focal adjustment unit, functions as a means of scanning the printing laser in the vertical direction. Hereinafter, the scanning direction of the focal adjustment unit 33 will sometimes be referred to as the "Z direction".

[0173] The second optical component 32 is, for example, a reflector that reflects the laser used for printing. The second optical component 32 reflects the laser used for printing emitted from the focus adjustment unit 33 and guides it to the laser scanning unit 4 by bending the downstream laser optical axis A12 backward.

[0174] More specifically, in this embodiment, the second optical component 32 is composed of a dichroic mirror that reflects the laser used for printing and transmits the guide light, ranging light, and imaging light. Therefore, the second optical component 32 functions as a confluence, coaxializing the downstream laser optical axis A12, the guide optical axis A2, the ranging optical axis A3, and the first imaging optical axis A4.

[0175] In other words, it can be considered that the guiding optical axis A2, the ranging optical axis A3, and the first imaging optical axis A4 are separated from the laser optical axis A1 between the laser generating unit 2 and the laser scanning unit 4.

[0176] (Printing Area Inspection Department 6)

[0177] The printing area inspection unit 6 includes a guide light source 61, a ranging unit 5, a coaxial camera 62, a first optical component 63, and a second optical component 64.

[0178] -Guiding Light Source 61-

[0179] The guiding light source 61 emits guiding light toward the workpiece W. By emitting the guiding light, the irradiation position of the printing laser becomes visible. Specifically, the guiding light source 61 is configured to project a printing pattern Pm onto the workpiece W using the guiding light. Therefore, the wavelength of the guiding light is set to fall within the visible light region. As described above, the guiding light source 61 is located between the laser generating unit 2 and the laser scanning unit 4, separating the guiding light axis A2 from the laser optical axis A1.

[0180] As an example, the guide light source 61 associated with this embodiment emits a red laser with a wavelength of approximately 655 nm as the guide light. The wavelength of the guide light is set to be different from the wavelengths of the marking laser, the ranging light, and the imaging light.

[0181] The guiding light source 61 is coaxial with the printing laser. Specifically, the guiding light emitted from the guiding light source 61 propagates along the guiding optical axis A2, which, as previously described, is separated from the downstream laser optical axis A12. Therefore, by properly operating the laser scanning unit 4, it is possible to... Figure 9 Two-dimensional scanning of the guide light is performed within the printed area R1 shown.

[0182] Furthermore, the guide light source 61, like the laser generating unit 2 and the laser scanning unit 4, is electrically connected to the head control unit 102. The guide light source 61 emits guide light according to the control signal output from the head control unit 102.

[0183] -First Optical Component 63-

[0184] The first optical component 63 functions as a separation unit that separates the guide optical axis A2 from the other optical axes A3 and A4, among the guide optical axis A2, the ranging optical axis A3, and the first imaging optical axis A4. The first optical component 63 may, for example, be a dichroic mirror that allows the guide light to pass through while reflecting the ranging light and the imaging light.

[0185] -Second optical component 64-

[0186] The second optical component 64 functions as a separation unit that separates the ranging optical axis A3 and the first imaging optical axis A4 from each other. The second optical component 64 may be constructed, for example, a dichroic mirror that allows one of the ranging light and the imaging light to pass through while reflecting the other.

[0187] - Distance measuring unit 5-

[0188] The ranging unit 5 has an emitting unit 51 that emits ranging light onto the surface of the workpiece W via the laser scanning unit 4, and a receiving unit 52 that receives the ranging light reflected by the workpiece W via the laser scanning unit 4. The ranging unit 5 is an example of a "distance detection unit" in this embodiment.

[0189] like Figure 6 and Figure 10 As indicated by the asterisk, the emission unit 51 of the ranging unit 5 emits ranging light onto the ranging position I, which indicates the distance measurement position, on the surface of the workpiece W via the laser scanning unit 4. The light receiving unit of the ranging unit 5 receives the ranging light reflected from the ranging position I. Specifically, the emission unit 51 has a ranging light source 51a as the ranging light source and an optical lens 51b.

[0190] The light-receiving unit 52 of the ranging unit 5 is, for example, composed of light-receiving elements 52a. It detects the light-receiving position of reflected light in each light-receiving element 52a and outputs a signal (detection signal) indicating the detection result. The detection signal output from each light-receiving element is input to the print controller 100 and reaches the distance measuring unit 103. Specifically, the light-receiving unit 52 has light-receiving elements 52a and light-receiving lenses 52b.

[0191] The laser printing apparatus L can basically measure the distance to the workpiece W (for example, the distance from the print head 1 to the distance measurement position I of the workpiece W) based on the light-receiving position of the reflected light on the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving part 52 (in this embodiment, the peak position of the light spot). As the distance measurement method, a so-called triangulation method is used.

[0192] Specifically, when a ranging light is emitted from the ranging light source 51a of the emission section 51, the ranging light illuminates the surface of the workpiece W. When the ranging light is reflected by the workpiece W, the reflected light (especially diffuse reflection) will propagate approximately isotropically if the effect of specular reflection is excluded.

[0193] Although the reflected light propagated in this way includes a component that passes through the light-receiving lens 52b and is incident on the light-receiving element 52a, the angle of incidence of the incident light on the light-receiving element 52a will increase or decrease depending on the distance between the print head 1 and the workpiece W. When the angle of incidence on the light-receiving element 52a increases or decreases, the position of the light-receiving surface on it will shift.

[0194] Thus, a specific relationship exists between the distance between the print head 1 and the workpiece W and the position of the light-receiving surface. Therefore, by knowing this relationship in advance and storing it in, for example, the print controller 100, the distance between the print head 1 and the workpiece W can be calculated based on the position of the light-receiving surface. This calculation method is simply the so-called triangulation method.

[0195] That is, the distance measuring unit 103 described above measures the distance from the laser printing device L to the measuring position I by triangulation based on the light receiving position of the ranging light in the light receiving unit 52.

[0196] Specifically, the aforementioned storage unit 101 stores in advance the relationship between the light-receiving position on the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit 52 and the distance between the print head 1 and the workpiece W surface. On the other hand, the distance measurement unit 103 receives a signal indicating the light-receiving position of the ranging light on the light-receiving unit 52, and more specifically, a signal indicating the peak position of the light spot formed on the light-receiving surface by the reflected light of the ranging light.

[0197] 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 storage unit 101. The measured value obtained in this way is input to the head control unit 102 for control of the focus adjustment unit 33, etc., or to the Z-processing unit 132 for tilt correction and float detection, or to the setting device 300 for various settings.

[0198] For example, the laser printing device L automatically or manually determines the area (printing point) on the surface of the workpiece W to be printed by the print head 1. Then, before performing the printing process, the laser printing device L measures the distance to each printing point (more precisely, the distance measuring points set around the printing points) and simultaneously determines the control parameters of the focus adjustment unit 33, making it a focal position corresponding to the measured distance. Based on these determined control parameters, the laser printing device L operates the focus adjustment unit 33 and then uses a printing laser to print on the workpiece W.

[0199] - Coaxial camera 62 -

[0200] The coaxial camera 62 acquires an imaging image Pw by imaging the workpiece W. Specifically, the coaxial camera 62 has a first imaging optical axis A4 branching from the laser optical axis A1 between the laser generating unit 2 and the laser scanning unit 4, and images at least a portion of the printing area R1 through the laser scanning unit 4. Through this imaging, the coaxial camera 62 acquires an imaging image Pw containing at least a portion of the printing area R1. The coaxial camera 62 is an example of an "imaging unit" in this embodiment.

[0201] Although the coaxial camera 62 has a narrower field of view than the wide-field camera 7 mentioned later, it can generate a coaxial image of the printed area R1 at a relatively high magnification as an imaging image Pw, or perform a two-dimensional scan of the imaging area by the laser scanning unit 4. The coaxial camera 62 can be used, for example, to image a portion of the printed area R1 by local magnification. The imaging image Pw generated by the coaxial camera 62 can be displayed on the display unit 301 in at least a partially magnified and reduced state.

[0202] The coaxial camera 62 is coaxial with the laser used for printing. Specifically, the reflected light (imaging light) used for imaging by the coaxial camera 62 propagates along the first imaging optical axis A4 and is incident on the coaxial camera 62, which, as previously described, is separated from the downstream laser optical axis A12. Therefore, by properly operating the laser scanning unit 4, the laser can be used to image the laser. Figure 9 The printed area R1 shown is scanned in two dimensions.

[0203] Furthermore, the coaxial camera 62, like the laser generation unit 2 and the laser scanning unit 4, is electrically connected to the head control unit 102. The coaxial camera 62 generates the imaging image Pw based on the control signal output from the head control unit 102.

[0204] (Laser scanning unit 4)

[0205] The laser scanning unit 4 performs a two-dimensional scan of the marking laser generated by the laser generating unit 2 within the printing area R1. Specifically, the laser scanning unit 4 is configured to irradiate the workpiece W with the laser (marking laser) emitted from the laser generating unit 2 and passing through the focus adjustment unit 33, and simultaneously perform a two-dimensional scan on the surface of the workpiece W (especially within the printing area R1).

[0206] More specifically, the laser scanning unit 4 is composed of a so-called two-axis (X-axis and Y-axis) galvanometer scanner. That is, this laser scanning unit 4 has a first scanner 41 for scanning the printing laser incident from the focus adjustment unit 33 in a first direction, and a second scanner 42 for scanning the printing laser scanned by the first scanner 41 in a second direction.

[0207] Here, the second direction refers to a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, the second scanner 42 can scan the printing laser in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the first scanner 41.

[0208] In this embodiment, the first direction is equivalent to the front-to-back direction (the length direction of the chassis 10), and the second direction is equivalent to the left-to-right direction (the width direction of the chassis 10). Hereinafter, the first direction will be referred to as the "X direction", and the second direction perpendicular to it will be referred to as the "Y direction". Both the X and Y directions are perpendicular to the aforementioned Z direction.

[0209] The first scanner 41 and the second scanner 42 are each equipped with a reflector and a motor for rotating the reflector at their front ends. Each reflector reflects the printing laser. Each motor adjusts the rotational attitude of its corresponding reflector. By adjusting the rotational attitude of the reflector, the reflection angle of the printing laser in each of the first scanner 41 and the second scanner 42 can be adjusted. By adjusting the reflection angle of the printing laser, the illumination position of the printing laser can be changed.

[0210] The laser scanning unit 4 operates the first scanner 41 and the second scanner 42 according to preset printing settings, deflecting the printing laser toward the printing area R1. This deflected printing laser shines through the exit window 19 provided on the print head 1 chassis and onto the printing area R1. Using this printing laser, the desired print pattern Pm can be printed within the printing area R1.

[0211] Furthermore, as described above, the laser scanning unit 4 receives not only the laser light used for printing, but also the guide light and ranging light passing through the second optical component 32 of the height-direction scanning unit 3. In this embodiment, the laser scanning unit 4 can perform two-dimensional scanning of the incident guide light or ranging light by operating the first scanner 41 and the second scanner 42 respectively.

[0212] As previously mentioned, the laser optical axis A1 of the printing laser is also coaxial with the first imaging optical axis A4 of the coaxial camera 62. In this embodiment, the laser scanning unit 4 can perform two-dimensional scanning of the intersection of the first imaging optical axis A4 and the workpiece W, i.e., the imaging position of the coaxial camera 62, by operating the first scanner 41 and the second scanner 42 respectively.

[0213] (Wide-field camera 7)

[0214] The wide-area camera 7 can generate an image Pw with a larger field of view than that generated by the coaxial camera 62 by imaging the workpiece W without the intervention of the laser scanning unit 4. The wide-area camera 7 is another example of the "imaging unit" in this embodiment.

[0215] Furthermore, in this disclosure, it is not necessary to have both the coaxial camera 62 and the wide-area camera 7 as imaging units. The various processes described later can be implemented using only one of the coaxial camera 62 or the wide-area camera.

[0216] The wide-area camera 7 is configured as an imaging means that is non-coaxial with the laser used for printing. Although the wide-area camera 7 cannot perform two-dimensional scanning via the laser scanning unit 4, its field of view is wider than that of the coaxial camera 62, and it can generate a wide-area image of the printing area R1 with a relatively wide field of view as the imaging image Pw. For example, the wide-area camera 7 can be used to capture the entire printing area R1 at once.

[0217] The imaging image Pw generated by the wide-area camera 7 can be displayed on the display unit 301 in a magnified or reduced state. The display unit 301 can display the imaging image Pw generated by the wide-area camera 7 and the imaging image Pw generated by the coaxial camera 62 side by side, or selectively display one of the two imaging images Pw.

[0218] In this embodiment, the wide-area camera 7 is positioned directly above the exit window 19, and its imaging lens is fixed in a downward orientation. As previously mentioned, the second imaging optical axis A5 of the wide-area camera 7 is not coaxial with the optical axis A1 of the printing laser (see [link to documentation]). Figure 4 and Figure 9 ).

[0219] Hereinafter, without needing to distinguish between the wide-area camera 7 and the coaxial camera 62, they may be referred to as "imaging units 62 and 7".

[0220] <5. How to use a laser printing system>

[0221] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the steps for using the laser printing system S. Figure 8 It is a summary table that displays details of pre-print processing, print processing, and post-print processing, including whether each process can be used in combination, the order of processing, and examples of the purpose of each process. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes related to print settings and workflow editing. Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the example print area R1 and the settings interface R2. Figure 11 This is a diagram of the display content of the example display unit 301.

[0222] (Usage summary)

[0223] A laser printing system S, equipped with a laser printing device L, can be installed, for example, on a conveyor line in a factory production line where multiple workpieces W are sequentially transported. During operation, firstly, before the conveyor line begins running, the installation positions of the workpieces W that will flow on the conveyor line, and the output conditions such as the printing laser and rangefinder light illuminating the workpieces W, are established. Figure 7 Step S1).

[0224] The settings created in step S1 can be stored in the print controller 100 after being created in advance, or can be read by the print controller 100 immediately after creation. Figure 7 Step S2).

[0225] Then, while the conveyor line is running, the print controller 100 refers to pre-stored or newly created settings that are immediately read. The laser printing unit L operates according to these settings, sequentially performing laser printing on each workpiece W supplied via the conveyor line. Figure 7 Step S3).

[0226] Hereinafter, the workpiece W used for the various settings such as the above-mentioned condition settings is referred to as "workpiece W to be prepared" or "setting object W". Each workpiece W that is sequentially conveyed as a printing object after the conveyor line is moved is referred to as "new workpiece W'" or "printing object W'". When it is not necessary to distinguish between setting object W and printing object W', it may also be referred to simply as "workpiece W".

[0227] Furthermore, the image generated by imaging the standby workpiece W through imaging units 62 and 7 may be labeled with the symbol "Pw", and the image generated by imaging the aforementioned "printing object W'" may also be labeled with the symbol "Pw'". When it is not necessary to distinguish between the setup object W and the printing object W', it may sometimes be simply referred to as "image Pw".

[0228] (Regarding the workflow)

[0229] Here, as exemplified by sub-steps S31 to S33 constituting step S3, the print controller 100 of the laser printing apparatus L performs a series of processes, including printing processing and other processes added as needed, when the apparatus L is running. The print controller 100 is an example of a "control unit" in this embodiment. Hereinafter, "sub-step" will be simply referred to as "step".

[0230] The details will be explained later, but the above series of processes, as shown in steps S31 and S36, are processes performed by the print controller 100, which is the control unit, from the input of the trigger signal to the trigger signal receiving unit 120 until it enters the state where the trigger signal can be received again.

[0231] Furthermore, the "other processing" mentioned here is divided into two parts based on its relationship with the printing process (step S33): "pre-printing processing (step S32)" performed before the printing process is executed, and "post-printing processing (step S34)" performed after the printing process is executed. It is not mandatory for both pre-printing and post-printing processing to be performed. Both pre-printing and post-printing processing can be omitted, or only one of them can be performed.

[0232] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, pre-printing processing and post-printing processing each consist of multiple processes. Currently, the workflow for defining a series of processes (actions), including the printing action, is manually set by the user. However, this setup requires the user to have knowledge of the function of each process, which is inconvenient from a user convenience perspective.

[0233] In contrast, the laser printing apparatus L associated with this embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, when setting the conditions for creating step S1, the workflow Wf has editing capabilities (for example, see the description below). Figures 19-21 This editing function can automatically reflect the execution order of each process, thus providing excellent user convenience. Furthermore, in steps S31 to S33 executed during operation, the laser printing device L performs each process in the order specified by the workflow Wf.

[0234] The following will be based on Figure 7 Step S1 in the process explains the basic concepts and specific examples of "print settings in laser printing", "pre-print processing", "pre-print actions" and "workflow editing" in turn.

[0235] (Steps for setting each configuration)

[0236] Figure 9 Example Figure 7 The specific processing of step S1. For example... Figure 9As shown, in this embodiment, the control processes related to print settings and the control processes related to workflow Wf editing are executed sequentially. Each control process is configured as an independent process that does not overlap with each other.

[0237] First, in step S11, the imaging units 62 and 7 built into the laser printing device L generate an imaging image Pw that includes at least a portion of the printing area R1. The imaging image Pw generated by the imaging units 62 and 7 is output to the setting device 300.

[0238] The display unit 301 of the setting device 300 displays a setting interface R2 corresponding to the printing area R1, and simultaneously displays the imaging image Pw on the setting interface R2 (see [link]). Figure 11 The image Pw is overlaid and displayed on the settings interface R2.

[0239] In this way, the coordinate system (virtual coordinate system) specified on the setting interface R2 of the display unit 301 can be correlated with the coordinate system (camera coordinate system) specified on the image Pw (see [reference]). Figure 10 (in the XYZ directions).

[0240] -Create print settings-

[0241] In the next step S12, the print setting unit 304a determines the print settings. The print setting unit 304a determines the print settings by reading the stored contents of the storage unit 303, etc., or by reading operation inputs from the setting device 300.

[0242] The print settings include a print pattern Pm representing the print content (marker shape), and print conditions for various settings and conditions associated with that print pattern Pm. Print conditions include at least the settings associated with the print block Pb.

[0243] In this embodiment, Figure 2 The print setting unit 304a, as shown, sets the position and orientation of the print pattern Pm to be printed on the workpiece W on the setting interface R2 displayed on the display unit 301. The position and orientation of the print pattern Pm can be set by the print block Pb. The term "orientation" of the print pattern Pm includes the rotation angle (θ) of the print pattern Pm in the XY plane.

[0244] The print block Pb can be used to adjust the layout (position), size, and rotation of the printed pattern Pm. Furthermore, the print block Pb is used in conjunction with the aforementioned ranging position I.

[0245] Display unit 301 can display the printed pattern Pm and printed block Pb overlaid with the imaging image Pw. For example, in Figure 11In the setup interface R2, a printed pattern Pm consisting of the numbers "123" and a rectangular printed block Pb surrounding it are configured on the surface of the workpiece W. As shown in the figure, the display unit 301 displays the printed pattern Pm and the printed block Pb configured in this way overlaid with the imaging image Pw.

[0246] Furthermore, the shape of the print block Pb is not limited to that shown in the illustration. Any shape can be used as long as it can indicate the position and size of the print pattern Pm. Moreover, the terms "print pattern" and "print block" are introduced merely for convenience and are not intended to limit their use.

[0247] Furthermore, although the illustration is omitted, multiple workpieces W can be displayed on the settings interface R2, or as shown below. Figure 10 The image shows only one workpiece W. Alternatively, multiple print blocks Pb can be configured on a single workpiece W, or one or more print blocks Pb can be configured on some or all of multiple workpieces W.

[0248] Back Figure 9 In step S12, for example, the user manually creates a print block Pb and places it on the setup interface R2. As mentioned earlier, since the setup interface R2 is associated with the imaging image Pw, the user can place the print block Pb while observing the imaging image Pw.

[0249] Thus, when one or more print blocks Pb are configured, the user determines the print pattern Pm for each print block Pb. The determination of the print pattern Pm is performed, for example, by the user operating the operation unit 302, whose operation input is received by the print setting unit 304a through the receiving unit 304g.

[0250] In addition, the printing conditions that constitute the printing settings may include, in addition to the settings related to the print block Pb, conditions related to the printing laser (hereinafter referred to as "laser conditions").

[0251] These laser conditions include one or more of the following: the irradiation position of the printing laser, the target output (laser power) of the printing laser, and the scanning speed (scanning speed) of the laser scanning unit 4 on the printing laser. For example... Figure 10 As shown in menu D1 at the bottom right, these printing conditions (laser conditions) can be set for each print block Pb.

[0252] Furthermore, the laser conditions can be one or more combinations of the Q-switching frequency, defocus amount (variable spot value), and scan line interval. Here, the defocus amount represents the deviation between the focal point of the printing laser beam and the surface of the workpiece W in the height direction. By setting the defocus amount to a non-zero value, the spot diameter of the printing laser beam can be changed. The number of prints represents the number of times each line element is scanned when the printed pattern Pm is decomposed into multiple line elements. The scan line interval represents the interval between the scan lines that constitute each line element (specifically, the interval perpendicular to the scanning direction).

[0253] The laser conditions are determined by the user inputting values ​​into the various items in menu D1 through the operation unit 302. The input is then received by the print setting unit 304a through the receiving unit 304g and executed.

[0254] The print setting unit 304a reads the print block Pb configured in this way, as well as the print pattern Pm and laser conditions determined for each print block Pb, and determines the combination of them as the print setting.

[0255] In this embodiment, the printing data corresponding to the printing pattern Pm, printing block Pb, and laser conditions set by the printing setting unit 304a is generated by the printing data generation unit 304b.

[0256] The printing data involved in this embodiment includes at least data about the position and orientation of the printed pattern Pm, that is, data about the printed block Pb.

[0257] After the print data is generated, the setting device 300 advances the control process from step S12 to step S13. In step S13, the setting device 300 performs the editing of the aforementioned workflow Wf.

[0258] The following is a brief overview of the pre-printing and post-printing processes that constitute the workflow Wf, before returning to... Figure 9 Step S13 describes the editing steps of workflow Wf.

[0259] - Basic concepts of pre-printing processing -

[0260] Figure 12 This is a graph used to illustrate pattern search. Figure 13 This is a diagram used to illustrate tilt correction. Figure 14 This is a diagram used to illustrate height detection. Figure 15 This is a diagram used to illustrate window inspection. Figure 16 This is a diagram used to illustrate the effect of dirt on the transparent part 19a.

[0261] Pre-print processing is a process performed by the print controller 100 before printing. The actions performed by the print head 1 through pre-print processing can be called "pre-print actions".

[0262] The difference between "pre-print processing" and "pre-print actions" lies only in whether the entity performing each process or action is the "print controller 100" or the "print head 1". The difference between "post-print processing" and "post-print actions" mentioned later is similar. The terms "first pre-print processing" through "fourth pre-print processing" mentioned later can also be replaced with "first pre-print actions" through "fourth pre-print actions" depending on the entity performing each process or action.

[0263] In pre-printing processing, the print controller 100, such as Figure 8 As illustrated by "XYθ correction", "image recognition", "height correction" and "height detection", at least one of the imaging units 62 and 7 and the ranging unit 5 is controlled, and processing is performed by the distance measuring unit 103, the XYθ processing unit 131 and the Z processing unit 132, etc., to obtain information about at least one of the position and orientation of the workpiece W.

[0264] Here, the pre-printing processing includes at least one or more of a first pre-printing processing, a second pre-printing processing, a third pre-printing processing, and a fourth pre-printing processing. In this embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth pre-printing processing are respectively... Figure 8 Examples are given for "XYθ correction", "image recognition", "height correction" and "height detection".

[0265] [XYθ Correction and Image Recognition]

[0266] In XYθ correction, the XYθ processing unit 131 determines the position and orientation of the printing object W' relative to the laser printing device L based on the imaging images Pw and Pw' acquired by the imaging units 6 and 72. Based on this determination result, the XYθ processing unit 131 also corrects the printing data according to the position and orientation of the printing object W', thereby correcting the position and orientation of the printed pattern Pm. In XYθ correction, the XYθ processing unit 131 may, in addition to correcting the printing data, also determine whether printing processing of the printing object W' is feasible.

[0267] In image recognition, the XYθ processing unit 131 determines the position and orientation of the laser printing device L relative to the printing object W' based on the imaging images Pw and Pw' acquired by the imaging units 6 and 72. Based on this determination result, the XYθ processing unit 131 also determines whether printing processing of the printing object W' is permissible.

[0268] Specifically, such as Figure 12As shown, the XYθ processing unit 131 can use various methods to determine the position and orientation of the printing object W', and perform processing based on the determination result. This processing includes, for example, determining the deviation of the printing object W' from the position and orientation of the setting object W, and performing processing based on the determination result.

[0269] In the following text, to distinguish it from the Z-direction deviation discussed later, the position deviation of the printed object W' in the XY direction, and the deviation of the orientation of the printed object W' caused by rotation in the XY plane, will be collectively referred to as "XY deviation" or "XYθ deviation". This XY deviation may vary with each printed object W' transported by the conveyor line, and can also be expressed as the position and orientation error (workpiece error) of each printed object W'.

[0270] Furthermore, the term "XY deviation" is used in a broad sense. That is to say, the "determination of XY deviation" mentioned here includes not only the processing of calculating the position and orientation deviation of the printed object W' relative to the set object W, but also the determination of the presence or absence of the printed object W', that is, whether the position and orientation of the printed object W' can be determined.

[0271] In this embodiment, for both XYθ correction and image recognition, the XYθ processing unit 131 of the print controller 100 calculates the deviation of the position and orientation of the printed object W' through pattern search.

[0272] The impact of XY deviation on printing processing, except in cases where the position of the printed object W' cannot be determined, can be reduced or eliminated for each printed object W' if the position and orientation deviation of the printed pattern Pm are corrected.

[0273] In other words, due to the XY deviation of the workpiece W, the position and orientation of the printed pattern Pm printed on the workpiece W deviate relative to the workpiece W (the deviation relative to the desired position and orientation). The laser printing apparatus L of this embodiment can reduce or eliminate the latter deviation by correcting the position of the printed pattern in the XY direction and the orientation in the XY plane (i.e., the correction of the printed pattern Pm related to the XY deviation).

[0274] For example, in the case of XYθ correction as the first printing preprocessing, the position and orientation of the printed pattern Pm are adjusted by the position and orientation of the printing block Pb. The laser printing apparatus L can adjust the printing block Pb by correcting the printing data, and perform the aforementioned "correction of the printed pattern Pm related to XY deviation" through this adjustment. In this way, the deviation in the relative position and orientation of the workpiece W relative to the printed pattern Pm caused by the XY deviation of the workpiece W can be corrected by the printing block Pb corresponding to the printed pattern Pb. It should be noted that correction by the printing block Pb is not mandatory.

[0275] On the other hand, in the case of image recognition as a second pre-processing step for printing, if the position and orientation of the object to be printed, W', cannot be determined, the laser printing device L will, for example, suspend laser printing on the object W'. This allows for proper handling even if the object W' is not actually being transported.

[0276] Specifically, when performing XYθ correction-related pre-run settings, the pre-printing processing setting unit 304d of the setting device 300 sets the pattern area Rp for pattern search (see [link to settings]) based on user input. Figure 12 The position, orientation, and size of the pattern region Rp are determined, for example, relative to the image Pw. This image Pw is generated by imaging the set object W.

[0277] Then, the XYθ processing unit 131 sets the search area Rs used in pattern search (see [link]) based on user input. Figure 12 The search region Rs only needs to be set to include at least the pattern region Rp. The position, orientation, and size of the search region Rs can be determined relative to, for example, the settings interface R2.

[0278] Furthermore, setting the search area Rs is not mandatory. It is possible to perform a pattern search on the entire image Pw without setting the search area Rs. Even with this configuration, the same processing as described below can be performed by treating the entire image Pw as the same as the search area Rs.

[0279] like Figure 12 As shown, the pre-printing processing setting unit 304d extracts image information within the pattern region Rp. The image information can be a pattern image Pp extracted from the imaging image Pw within the pattern region Rp, or it can be edge information of the imaging image Pw within the pattern region Rp.

[0280] like Figure 12 As shown, the pre-printing processing setting unit 304d associates the relative position and orientation relationship (hereinafter referred to as "relative position relationship") between the pattern region Rp and the print block Pb with the aforementioned image information and stores it in the storage unit 303. Thus, the XYθ correction setting is completed.

[0281] Subsequently, during the operation of the laser printing device L, the XYθ processing unit 131 images the printing object W' to generate an image Pw'. The XYθ processing unit 131 determines the position and orientation of the pattern region Rp on the image Pw' by performing a pattern search within the same search area Rs as during setup. This determination can be based on the position and orientation of the image information (pattern image Pp) (referencing the virtual line Sr).

[0282] Specifically, the XYθ processing unit compares the image information (pattern image Pp) pre-extracted on the initial workpiece W with the newly extracted image information (image within the search area Rs) on a different new workpiece W', as shown by the virtual line Sr above, to identify areas within the search area Rs where the two image information are highly consistent compared to other areas. This exploration can be based on the correlation value, which is a parameter used as an indicator in pattern search.

[0283] Subsequently, the XYθ processing unit 131 corrects the printing data based on the relative positional relationship between the pattern region Rp and the print block Pb, thereby correcting the position and orientation of the print block Pb.

[0284] Along with this correction, the printed pattern Pm associated with the printed block Pb will also be corrected. For example... Figure 12 As shown, a print block Pb' that takes into account XY deviation can be given, and a print pattern Pm' that is corrected together with the print block Pb' can be printed.

[0285] On the other hand, when performing image recognition, the XYθ processing unit 131, similar to XYθ correction, explores the position and orientation of the pattern region Rp on the imaging image Pw' by pattern search based on image information (pattern image Pp).

[0286] Image recognition is similar to XYθ correction, except that during pattern search, it only checks whether a pre-set "pattern region Rp" is found, i.e., whether the printed object W' is found, and it does not correct the printed pattern Pm based on the judgment result (i.e., ...). Figure 8 The two points mentioned in the example of its use, namely "position correction".

[0287] Both XYθ correction and image recognition use pattern search processing, and from this perspective, they can be considered similar processes. XYθ correction, for example, depending on its settings such as disabling correction, can provide the same functionality as image recognition.

[0288] In other words, during workflow Wf editing before entering the XYθ correction settings, image recognition processing that provides the same function based on the XYθ correction settings can be suggested to the user as an addition candidate. This configuration allows for the suggestion of functions achievable based on the settings, which can be directly added to workflow Wf, along with suggestions for the corresponding settings. Therefore, convenience is improved for users unfamiliar with the imaging units 6 and 72 in the laser printing device L.

[0289] XYθ correction and image recognition can be configured by setting a mode region Rp for various purposes related to the printed object W'. For example, ... Figure 8As shown, the type and front / back of the printed object W' can be determined through XYθ correction and image recognition. This type determination includes determining whether the workpiece W and the printed object W' belong to different types. Furthermore, by setting the printed material, patterns, etc., on the workpiece W as image information within the mode area Rp, it can also be determined whether the printed object W' has already been printed with the pattern Pm (to prevent duplicate printing).

[0290] [Height correction and height detection]

[0291] In the height correction, which is the third pre-print processing step, the pre-print processing setting unit 304d adjusts the focus position based on the distance to the measuring position I obtained by the measuring unit 5, using the focus adjustment unit 33. In height correction, the pre-print processing setting unit 304d converts the light-receiving position detected by the measuring unit 5 into a distance to the measuring position I using the distance measurement unit 103, and performs various processing steps. The pre-print processing setting unit 304d can, in addition to correcting print data, determine whether printing processing on the print object W' is feasible.

[0292] In the height determination as the fourth pre-printing process, the pre-printing setting unit 304d determines whether or not to perform printing processing on the printing object W' based on the distance to the ranging position I obtained by the imaging units 6 and 72.

[0293] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the print controller 100 can determine the height of the printable object W' by measuring the distance from the distance position I, and perform processing based on the determination result. This processing includes, for example, determining the deviation of the printable object W' from the position and orientation of the set object W, and performing processing based on the determination result.

[0294] Hereinafter, the height of the printed object W' in the Z direction, and the deviation of the printed object W''s posture (also known as tilt) caused by rotation around a central axis parallel to the XY plane, will be collectively referred to as "Z-axis deviation". This Z-axis deviation may vary with each printed object W' transported on the conveyor line and can be considered as a factor of the position and posture error (workpiece error) of each printed object W'.

[0295] Furthermore, the term "Z-axis deviation" is used in a broad sense. That is to say, the "determination of Z-axis deviation" mentioned here, in addition to the previously mentioned process of calculating the position and orientation deviation of the printed object W' relative to the set object W, also includes determining whether the printed object W' exists, that is, whether the position and orientation of the printed object W' can be determined.

[0296] The impact of printing on Z-axis deviation, except in cases where the position of the printed object W' cannot be determined, can be reduced or eliminated by adjusting the focus position (Z-coordinate correction) based on the height position (Z-coordinate) of each printed object W', and, if necessary, by further adjusting the focus position based on the posture of the printed object W' (tilt correction).

[0297] For example, such as Figure 13 As shown by distances Dx1 and Dx2, when the printed object W' is tilted, the distance measurement results at each distance measurement position I will be different. In this case, the pre-printing processing setting unit 304d can detect the tilt of the printed object W' based on the relationship between the positional relationship between the distance measurement positions I and the distance measurement results.

[0298] In this case, during height correction, the Z-processing unit 132 individually changes the focus position (tilt correction) for each print point based on the tilt of the printed object W'. In this way, the effects of the orientation deviation of the printed object W' can be corrected. It should be noted that tilt correction is not always necessary during height correction. Figure 8 In the example of its use, the Z-coordinate correction and skew correction of the printed object W' are collectively referred to as "height correction".

[0299] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, when the object to be printed, W', is not delivered to the desired position, the light-receiving unit 52 may not receive the ranging light, or even if it does, it will be received at a position significantly different from when it was set. The pre-printing processing setting unit 304d can detect the presence or absence of the object to be printed, W', based on this information.

[0300] Altitude detection is identical to altitude correction, except that it does not perform Z-coordinate correction and tilt correction. Both altitude correction and altitude detection use distance measurement results from ranging unit 5 for processing, and therefore can be considered the same type of processing. Altitude correction can provide the same functionality as altitude detection by adjusting its settings, such as disabling the correction function.

[0301] In other words, during workflow Wf editing before entering the height correction settings, height detection that provides the same function as the height correction settings can be suggested to the user as an addition candidate. This configuration allows for the suggestion of functions achievable based on the settings, which can be directly added to the workflow Wf, along with suggestions for the corresponding settings. Therefore, convenience is improved for users unfamiliar with the use of the ranging unit 5 in the laser printing device L.

[0302] Height correction and height detection can be preset for various purposes related to the printed object W'. For example... Figure 8As shown, in addition to detecting the presence or absence of the printed object W', the floating of the printed object W' can also be detected through height correction and height detection. The "floating" mentioned here refers to the result of the printed object W' separating from the conveyor line, causing the aforementioned tilting situation.

[0303] [Maintenance Processing (Window Check)]

[0304] Pre-printing processing may also include maintenance processing (see...) Figure 8 The maintenance process is configured to obtain maintenance information for the laser printer L by controlling the ranging unit 5 through the print controller 100.

[0305] Maintenance is performed by the window inspection unit 151. The window inspection unit 151 detects dirt on the transparent component 19a by identifying the ranging light reflected by the transparent component 19a from the ranging light received by the light receiving unit 52 of the ranging unit 5.

[0306] While the laser printing unit L continues to operate, dirt may accumulate on the transparent part 19a. If the corners become dirty, it may affect the measurement of the ranging unit 5 or the printing quality of the laser used for marking.

[0307] That is, when there is not much dirt attached, such as Figure 15 As shown in the left figure, the ranging light is not reflected by the dirt attached to the transparent part 19a, but passes through it. In this case, if the effect of the positive reflection is ignored, such as Figure 16 As shown in (a), the light-receiving element 52a will only detect the reflected light that is reflected by the surface of the workpiece W and forms a peak at a predetermined position X1.

[0308] However, when the transparent component 19a is excessively contaminated, such as Figure 15 As shown in the right figure, at least a portion of the ranging light will be reflected by dirt adhering to the transparent component 19a. In this case, as... Figure 16 As shown in (b) and (c), the light-receiving element 52a will detect the reflected light reflected by the surface of the transparent component 19a and forming a peak at a predetermined position X2 (≠X1). The amount of this reflected light received increases with the degree of contamination of the transparent component 19a.

[0309] In particular, such as Figure 16 As shown in (b) and (c), depending on the contamination status of the transparent component 19a, the light-receiving element 52a may simultaneously detect the ranging light reflected from the surface of the workpiece W and the ranging light reflected from the transparent component 19a.

[0310] In contrast, the printing controller 100 associated with this embodiment is able to detect dirt on the transparent part 19a and perform processing that takes into account the detection results.

[0311] Specifically, the window inspection unit 151 detects dirt on the transparent component 19a by specifically detecting the rangefinder light reflected from the transparent component 19a within the rangefinder light received by the light receiving unit 52. Then, the window inspection unit 151 outputs its detection results, either displaying them on the display unit 301 or saving them as an operation log in the storage unit 303 along with other data. The detection results of the window inspection unit 151 are an example of "maintenance information" in this embodiment.

[0312] As previously described, the transparent component 19a is positioned at a reference position with a known optical path length between it and the emission portion 51. Since the optical path length is known, the position where the peak of the ranging light reflected from the surface of the transparent component 19a forms can be predicted in advance.

[0313] Therefore, the window inspection unit 151 can detect dirt on the transparent component 19a based on the light-receiving condition of the light-receiving position corresponding to the aforementioned reference position among the light-receiving positions of the ranging light in the light-receiving unit 52.

[0314] For example, if the position of the peak of the reflected light formed on the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving element 52a by the window inspection section 151 is within a specified range, it can be determined that the reflected light is caused by dirt on the transparent component 19a. The specified range used for this determination can be a numerical range that includes the light-receiving position corresponding to the reference position.

[0315] In this way, the window inspection unit 151 can determine the reflected light reflected by the transparent component 19a based on the position of the reflected light. In addition, the window inspection unit 151 can also determine the degree of contamination of the transparent component 19a based on the amount of reflected light received.

[0316] Specifically, the window inspection unit 151 can determine the degree of contamination of the transparent component 19a based on the amount of light received at the reference light-receiving position X2. More specifically, the window inspection unit 151 can compare the amount of light received at the reference light-receiving position X2 with a preset threshold T. If the amount of light received exceeds the threshold T, it can be determined that the transparent component 19a is contaminated (see [reference]). Figure 16 (c)).

[0317] like Figure 8 As illustrated in the examples, maintenance processing, for instance, can be used together with other data related to the operation of the laser printing system S to create an operation log as maintenance information. Maintenance processing facilitates the collection of maintenance information.

[0318] [Other pre-printing processing]

[0319] In addition, the pre-printing processing may include one or more of the shooting processing performed by the log saving unit 152 and the code reading processing performed by the code reading unit 153.

[0320] During the image processing, the log storage unit 152 generates an image Pw' of the printable object W' before printing by controlling the imaging units 62 and 7. The log storage unit 152 saves the generated image Pw' in the storage unit 101 of the print controller 100, the storage unit 303 of the setting device 300, etc.

[0321] In the code reading process, the code reading unit 153 controls the imaging units 62 and 7 to generate an imaging image Pw' of the printable object W' before printing. Based on the generated imaging image Pw', the code reading unit 153 determines whether the imaging image Pw' contains a QR code.

[0322] Then, if the image Pw' contains a QR code, the code reading unit 153 reads the QR code and obtains the information encoded by the QR code. The code reading unit 153 uses the obtained information for various other processes, or saves it together with the image Pw' obtained through the shooting process in the storage unit 101 of the print controller 100, the storage unit 303 of the setting device 300, etc.

[0323] like Figure 8 As illustrated in the example, image processing and code reading processing can be used to create an operational log for the laser printing system L. Code reading processing can be used as a QR code, for example, to read batch numbers, serial numbers, etc., pre-attached to printed objects W'. By reading such QR codes, the operation of the laser printing system L can be monitored. However, the use of code reading processing is not mandatory for the operation of the laser printing system L.

[0324] In addition, when the printed pattern Pm uses a QR code, the code reading process can be performed to prevent duplicate printing, just like other pre-printing processes.

[0325] - Basic concepts of post-printing processing -

[0326] Post-print processing is the process performed by the print controller 100 after the printing process. The actions performed by the print head 1 through post-print processing can be called "post-print actions".

[0327] In post-printing processing, the print controller 100, such as Figure 8 As shown in "Print Confirmation" and "Window Check", at least one of the imaging units 62 and 7 and the ranging unit 5 is controlled, and processing is performed by the window check unit 151, the log storage unit 152, the code reading unit 153 and the print confirmation unit 154 to obtain information related to the print pattern Pm formed by the print processing.

[0328] Here, post-printing processing includes, for example: Figure 8 The illustrated steps include print confirmation processing, window inspection as a maintenance process, output monitoring processing, image capture processing, and code reading processing. For example... Figures 18 to 20 As shown, output monitoring processing is sometimes referred to or illustrated as "marking energy", shooting processing is simply referred to or illustrated as "shooting", and printing confirmation processing is simply referred to or illustrated as "print confirmation".

[0329] Here, both the print confirmation process and the image capture process are equivalent to processes that inspect the workpiece W, particularly the printed object W', which has been printed with the print pattern Pm by the print process, based on the imaging image Pw' acquired by the imaging units 62 and 7. These processes are examples of the "inspection process" in this embodiment.

[0330] The detailed settings for post-print processing are determined by the post-print processing setting unit 304e before and after editing the workflow Wf. These settings constitute an element of the print settings and are stored in the storage unit 101 of the print controller 100 after being transmitted from the setting device 300 to the print controller 100.

[0331] In the print confirmation process, the print confirmation unit 154 controls the imaging units 62 and 7 to generate an image Pw' of the printed object W' after print processing. Based on the generated image Pw', the print confirmation unit 154 also determines whether the preset print pattern Pm is actually marked on the printed object W'. This determination can be made automatically by the print controller 100 or the setting device 300, or it can be made by the user by displaying the image Pw' on the display unit 301. Figure 8 As shown in the example, print confirmation processing can be used to determine print quality.

[0332] In the former case, an image (sample image) representing the desired print pattern Pm can be stored in the print controller 100 beforehand. In this case, the print controller 100 can determine the processing quality of the print pattern Pm' by comparing the sample image and the imaging image Pw'. Alternatively, the sample image can also be an image generated from the settings interface R2 that configures the print pattern Pm.

[0333] The details of the window check are the same as those of the pre-print processing. That is, in this embodiment, the window check can be included in at least one of the pre-print processing and post-print processing.

[0334] In the output monitoring process, the print controller 100 monitors changes in marker energy based on the detection signal from the power monitor 23. This monitoring result, along with other data related to the operation of the laser printing system L, can be used as maintenance information to create an operation log. The output monitoring process facilitates the collection of maintenance information.

[0335] During the image processing, the log storage unit 152 controls the imaging units 62 and 7 to generate an image Pw' of the printed object W' after printing processing. The log storage unit 152 saves the generated image Pw' in the storage unit 101 of the print controller 100, the storage unit 303 of the setting device 300, etc.

[0336] In the code reading process, the code reading unit 153 controls the imaging units 62 and 7 to generate an imaging image Pw' of the printable object W' before printing. Based on the generated imaging image Pw', the code reading unit 153 determines whether the imaging image Pw' contains a QR code.

[0337] Then, if the image Pw' contains a QR code, the code reading unit 153 will determine the quality (level) of the QR code. The QR code level determination can be based on QR code printing quality evaluation standards specified by ISO / IEC, etc. Code reading processing in post-printing is particularly effective when the printed pattern Pm uses a QR code. For example... Figure 8 As shown in the example, code reading processing in post-printing can be used to determine print quality and monitor printed content.

[0338] -About the structure of workflow editing-

[0339] For the sake of brevity, we will refer to the process consisting of at least one of pre-printing processing and post-printing processing as "pre- and post-printing processing". The individual processes constituting pre- and post-printing processing are as follows: Figure 8 As mentioned above.

[0340] To improve user convenience related to the workflow Wf, the laser printing apparatus L of this embodiment is equipped with a storage unit 303, which serves as a sequence information storage unit, and a workflow editing unit 304c. The storage unit 303 stores sequence information Io corresponding to each pre- and post-printing process. The workflow editing unit 304c edits the workflow Wf, which specifies a series of processes including printing. These elements will be explained below with reference to specific examples.

[0341] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of the editing steps for the example workflow Wf. Figures 18-20 These are screenshots of the editing screen for the example workflow Wf. When the control process enters... Figure 9 In step S13, the setting device 300 from Figure 17 Step S131 begins the sequential execution of the processes shown in the figure.

[0342] First, in step S131, the processing unit 304 reads the sequence information Io from the storage unit 303. This sequence information Io specifies the execution order of each process that constitutes the pre- and post-printing processes.

[0343] like Figure 8 As shown, the sequence information Io for pre-print processing specifies the execution order from early to late processing, performing each process in the following order: image processing, window inspection, XYθ correction or image recognition, height correction or height detection, and code reading processing. If window inspection is not selected in pre-print processing, XYθ correction or image recognition will begin after image processing.

[0344] Furthermore, it is clear from the foregoing stipulations that XYθ correction and image recognition are specified to have the same execution order. In other words, XYθ correction and image recognition are set as optional processes.

[0345] Similarly, the execution order of height correction and height detection is specified to be consistent with each other.

[0346] In other words, height correction and height detection are set as optional processes.

[0347] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the sequence information Io is defined as including the execution order of window checks as maintenance processes. Specifically, the sequence information Io related to this embodiment is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, window checks are performed before the first to fourth pre-print processing steps. As an example, in this embodiment, window checks are set to be performed before the first, second, third, and fourth pre-print processing steps.

[0348] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the sequence information (Io) for post-print processing specifies that each process is executed in the order from early to late processing, namely, image capture processing, print confirmation processing, code reading processing, window inspection, and output monitoring processing. If code reading processing is not selected in post-print processing, window inspection will begin after print confirmation processing.

[0349] like Figure 8 As shown, the window inspection and output monitoring processes, which are maintenance processes, are specified to be executed after the shooting process, print confirmation process, and code reading process, which are inspection processes.

[0350] Sequence information (Io) can be constructed by associating execution order, priority, etc., with each pre- and post-printing process. Sequence information (Io) can be, for example, information pre-stored by the manufacturer at the factory.

[0351] In the next step S132, the processing unit 304 causes the display unit 301 to display the pre- and post-printing processes stored in the storage unit 303 and corresponding to the sequence information Io. In addition to the pre- and post-printing processes, the processing unit 304 also causes the display unit 301 to display the workflow Wf being edited by the workflow editing unit 304c.

[0352] Here, Figure 18 This is a screenshot of screen Sc1, showing the display when pre- and post-printing processing is not selected. Figure 19 This is a diagram of screen Sc2, showing the state where all processes except height correction, image recognition, and height detection are selected during example pre- and post-printing processing. Figure 20 This is a diagram of screen Sc3, showing the selected state of all processes except image recognition and height detection during example pre- and post-printing processing. These screens can all be displayed on the display unit 301. Furthermore, the various GUIs displayed on these screens are controlled by the GUI control unit 304f of the processing unit 304.

[0353] like Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, display unit 301 displays a process display area Rf1 and a process selection area Rf2. The process display area Rf1 visually displays the structure of the workflow Wf, reflecting the execution order of pre- and post-printing processes (i.e., the execution order specified by the sequence information Io). The process selection area Rf2 is displayed independently of the process display area Rf1 and lists the pre- and post-printing processes, while also accepting user input for selecting pre- and post-printing processes.

[0354] The workflow Wf displayed in the workflow display area Rf1 is the workflow that includes the currently selected pre- and post-printing processes. For example... Figure 8 and Figures 19-20 As shown in the comparison, the displayed workflow includes the sequence of events related to printing (laser printing), arranged according to the execution order specified by the sequence information Io. As illustrated in the example, in the workflow display area Rf1, the names of a series of processes, including printing, are displayed in the order of their execution.

[0355] The process selection area Rf2 consists of a first selection area Rf21 that displays the pre-print processing list, and a second selection area Rf22 that is displayed independently of the first selection area Rf21 and displays the post-print processing list.

[0356] The first selection area Rf21 is configured with a first interface If1 corresponding to each process constituting the pre-printing process. Each of the multiple first interfaces If1 is configured as a graphical user interface that accepts user input via an operation unit 302 such as a mouse.

[0357] The second selection area Rf22 is configured with a second interface If2 corresponding to each process constituting the post-printing processing. Multiple second interfaces If2 are configured as a graphical user interface, accepting user input via operation units 302 such as mouse operations.

[0358] like Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the GUIs corresponding to pre- and post-printing processes embedded in workflow Wf are visualized in different ways compared to the GUIs corresponding to other pre- and post-printing processes not embedded in workflow Wf. The differences in display methods include the GUI display colors shown in the illustrations, as well as whether each GUI blinks and its display size.

[0359] In addition, such as Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, display unit 301 displays a usage example display area Rf3, independent of the process display area Rf1 and the process selection area Rf2. The usage example display area Rf3 is an area used to display usage examples for each process.

[0360] For example, such as Figure 19 As shown, suppose the mouse pointer Mp is moved to the first interface If1 corresponding to "height correction". In this case, the usage example display area Rf3 will display as follows. Figure 8 The images described as "height correction", "presence / absence detection" and "float detection".

[0361] The user selects the desired pre- and post-printing processes by referring to the various displays on the display unit 301. Specifically, in step S133, which continues from step S132, the receiving unit 304g receives the selection of pre- and post-printing processes to be included in the workflow Wf from the pre- and post-printing processes displayed on the display unit 301 (e.g., the first and second interfaces If1, If2), based on user input.

[0362] In the case of a diagram, such as Figure 19 As shown, when the mouse pointer Mp moves to the first interface If1 corresponding to "height correction", if the user performs a click operation or other user input, the receiving unit 304g will accept "height correction" as a selection for pre- and post-printing processing that should be included in the workflow Wf.

[0363] Here, as exemplified in steps S134 and S135, the workflow editing unit 304c of this embodiment is configured to selectively add one of XYθ correction and image recognition to the workflow Wf when the receiving unit 304g receives a selection between XYθ correction and image recognition.

[0364] The above determination is made, for example, when one of XYθ correction and image recognition is already embedded in the workflow Wf, and the other of XYθ correction and image recognition is further selected.

[0365] Similarly, as shown in steps S134 and S135, when the receiving unit 304g receives a selection between height correction and height detection, the workflow editing unit 304c of this embodiment is configured to selectively add one of height correction and height detection to the workflow Wf.

[0366] The above determination is made, for example, when one of height correction and height detection is already embedded in the workflow Wf, and the other of height correction and height detection is further selected.

[0367] Specifically, in step S134 after step S133, the workflow editing unit 304c determines whether the process selected in step S133 and similar processes are in an unselected state (a state not combined into the workflow Wf).

[0368] In this embodiment, XYθ correction and image recognition belong to the first type of similar processing, while height correction and height detection belong to the second type of similar processing. In other words, if any pre- or post-printing processing other than these four types is selected, in this embodiment, the determination in step S134 will necessarily be "yes".

[0369] If the determination in step S134 is "yes", the processing unit 304 will proceed the control process to step S136. If the determination in step S134 is "no", the processing unit 304 will proceed the control process to step S135.

[0370] exist Figure 19 In the example, in step S134, the workflow editing unit 304c determines whether the similar processing to "height correction" selected in step S133, namely "height detection", is in an unselected state. Since "height detection" is in an unselected state, the determination result of step S134 is "yes", and the control process will proceed to step S136.

[0371] In step S135, the workflow editing unit 304c, in order to add the process selected in step S133 to workflow Wf, confirms with the user whether to delete a similar process (the process already selected in workflow Wf) from workflow Wf. This confirmation can be made via a dialog box on the display unit 301. If the receiving unit 304g receives user input confirming deletion (step S135: Yes), the workflow editing unit 304c will delete the similar process from workflow Wf.

[0372] On the other hand, when the receiving unit 304g receives user input that denies deletion (step S135: No), the workflow editing unit 304c returns the control process to step S132 and cancels the selection received in step S133.

[0373] In step S136, the workflow editing unit 304c receives the selected pre- and post-printing processes from the receiving unit 304g and adds them to the workflow Wf containing the printing processes in the order of the sequence information Io corresponding to the pre- and post-printing processes.

[0374] In the next step S137, the workflow editing unit 304c updates the display content of workflow Wf in the workflow display area Rf1 and the display content of pre- and post-printing processing in the workflow selection area Rf2 (especially the GUI display mode corresponding to the selected processing).

[0375] exist Figure 19 In the example, due to the execution of steps S136 and S137, the screen on display unit 301 will change from... Figure 19 The display screen Sc2 switches to Figure 20 The display screen shown is Sc3. (As shown in the image) Figure 19 Workflow Wf and Figure 20 As shown in the comparison of the workflow Wf, even without special settings by the user, it can be seen that height correction has been added between XYθ correction and code reading processing.

[0376] Here, as Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, on the side of the screen for each process embedded in the workflow Wf, there are graphical user interfaces (interface 4 If4) labeled "On" or "Off". By inputting user input on these interfaces, users can toggle whether the pre- and post-printing processes corresponding to that interface If4 are executed.

[0377] The fourth interface, If, is a graphical user interface used to switch whether the pre- and post-printing processes constituting the workflow Wf, which is displayed in the workflow display area Rf1, are executed. It is an example of the "switching unit" in this embodiment.

[0378] The receiving unit 304g accepts user input via the fourth interface If4, indicating whether to execute each process. The print controller 100 reflects the user input via the fourth interface If4 and executes the printing process and the aforementioned pre- and post-printing processes.

[0379] Then, in step S138, continuing from step S137, the workflow editing unit 304c determines whether the selection of pre- and post-printing processing (editing of workflow Wf) is complete. This determination can be configured to change to "yes" when the receiving unit 304g receives user input for a specific GUI, for example... Figures 18 to 20 The third interface shown is If3, which serves as the GUI. The configuration of step S138 is not particularly limited.

[0380] If the determination in step S138 is "yes", the processing unit 304 advances the control process to step S139. In this case, the processing unit 304 executes the selected pre- and post-printing processing settings. If the determination in step S138 is "no", the processing unit 304 returns the control process to step S132.

[0381] The following explains the key points of the processing performed in step S139.

[0382] -Settings for pre- and post-printing processing-

[0383] Figure 21 This is a diagram comparing the setup steps for XYθ correction and image recognition. Figure 22 This is a diagram comparing the setup steps for height correction and height detection. Figure 21 and Figure 22 All of these are processes that focus on setting up items in each processing step.

[0384] Specifically Figure 21 The left figure is a flowchart of the setup steps related to example XYθ correction. Figure 21 The right figure is a flowchart of the setup steps related to example image recognition.

[0385] on the other hand, Figure 22 The left image is a flowchart of the example height correction setup steps. Figure 22 The image on the right is a flowchart of the steps involved in setting up an example height detection system.

[0386] Here, Figure 21 and Figure 22 The double-headed arrows in the footnotes indicate common settings items in the processing of the left and right examples. Additionally, Figure 21 and Figure 22 The steps in the examples are for the purpose of setting up comparisons of projects and are not limited to those in the illustrations.

[0387] Illustrations are omitted below, but various settings are performed through various GUIs displayed on the display unit 301. When the user selects or enters a specific item, the corresponding user input is received by the receiving unit 304g, and then the pre-printing processing setting unit 304d executes the settings corresponding to that user input.

[0388] [XYθ Correction and Image Recognition]

[0389] In the XYθ correction setting processing step S211, the pre-printing processing setting unit 304d selects the print pattern Pm as the object of XYθ correction; specifically, it selects the print block Pb corresponding to the print pattern Pm. The print block Pb selected here is equivalent to the object print block Pb mentioned earlier for "correction of print pattern Pm related to XY deviation".

[0390] In the same step S211, the pre-printing setting unit 304d sets the lighting conditions (selection of lighting 18) for generating the imaging images Pw and Pw' for pattern search.

[0391] In the same step S211, the pre-printing setting unit 304d sets one correction mode from multiple correction modes. The multiple correction modes are set to use different numbers of mode regions Rp for each print block Pb. For example, when two mode regions Rp are used for one print block Pb, the correction accuracy of the rotation direction can be improved.

[0392] In the next step S212, the pre-printing settings unit 304d performs the settings of the mode area Rp, brightness and magnification adjustment, search area Rs, and angle search range.

[0393] Here, brightness and magnification adjustment refers to the brightness and magnification settings determined when imaging units 62 and 7 are performing imaging. Angle search range refers to the range of rotation angles of the pattern area Rp (the upper and lower limits of the rotation angle on the XY plane) during pattern search.

[0394] In the next step S213, the pre-printing processing setting unit 304d performs the setting of the mask area, the setting of the correlation value threshold, the setting of the height of the pattern image Pp, the setting of the shooting delay, and the setting of the operation after the search.

[0395] A masking region is an area used to conceal information such as pre-machined patterns (e.g., serial numbers) on each workpiece W that could hinder pattern searching. By masking this information, more accurate pattern searching can be achieved.

[0396] The relevance threshold is the lower limit of the relevance value for the pattern search metric. For example, if the relevance value obtained in an actual pattern search is higher than the lower limit, the pattern search can be considered successful (a region identical to the pattern region Rp was found). Conversely, if the relevance value obtained in a pattern search is lower than the lower limit, the pattern search can be considered unsuccessful (no region identical to the pattern region was found).

[0397] The height setting of the pattern image Pp is a setting item used to preset the height of the pattern image Pp. This setting item can be entered by the user or set to be obtained by the ranging unit 5 and the distance measuring unit 103.

[0398] Imaging delay refers to the waiting time between when the laser printing system S is running, from when the workpiece W to be printed is transported (e.g., when a trigger signal is received from the trigger signal receiver 120) to when imaging is required to begin pattern search.

[0399] The post-search operation is the action that should be performed if the specified pattern area Rp is not found or the workpiece W itself is not found. The settings for the post-search operation include one of several non-compliance conditions.

[0400] Several non-compliance conditions include pattern search failure (search failed) and pattern search success (search successful). The former, as previously described, is used to set the actions to be taken if the specified pattern area Rp is not found or the workpiece W itself is not found. The latter helps to set the actions to be taken when the surface condition or pattern image Pp of a workpiece W' that should not exist is found, such as preventing duplicate printing.

[0401] The post-search operation settings also include settings for the actions to be taken when non-compliance conditions are met. These actions include several options: do not output errors and warnings (do not output errors / warnings), output warnings (warning output), and output errors and interrupt laser printing (error output).

[0402] The post-search operation settings also include settings for other processes to be performed when a non-compliance condition is met. These processes include multiple processes. These multiple processes include continuing laser printing (printing continuation) and interrupting laser printing (printing interruption). In this embodiment, when "error output" is selected, "printing interruption" is automatically selected. The determination of non-compliance conditions and other determinations related to "printing interruption" are examples of the "determination of whether printing processing is permissible" in this disclosure.

[0403] On the other hand, regarding image recognition settings, such as Figure 21 As illustrated in steps S221, S222, and S223 of the right figure, all settings are included in XYθ. "Correction Mode Settings", "Search Area Settings", "Angle Search Range Settings", "Height Settings of Pattern Image Pp", and "Shooting Delay Settings" are XYθ-specific settings and are excluded from the image recognition settings.

[0404] pass Figure 21The settings determined in each step constitute an element of the print settings. After being transmitted from the setting device 300 to the print controller 100, they are stored in the storage unit 101 of the print controller 100.

[0405] [Height correction and height detection]

[0406] In step S231 of the height correction setting related processing, the pre-printing processing setting unit 304d selects the print pattern Pm as the correction object for height correction, specifically, it selects the print block Pb corresponding to the print pattern Pm.

[0407] In the same step S231, the pre-printing setting unit 304d sets the height origin (reference position) of the workpiece W. When there are multiple print blocks Pb, this reference position can be the height of a specific print block Pb, or the height of each print block Pb can be used as the reference position, or it can be a specific arbitrary coordinate defined by the user.

[0408] In the same step S231, the pre-printing processing setting unit 304d sets one correction mode (tilt correction requirement setting) from multiple correction modes. The multiple correction modes are configured as follows: a first correction mode that performs only Z-coordinate correction in height correction, and a second correction mode that performs tilt correction based on Z-coordinate correction.

[0409] In the next step S232, the pre-printing processing setting unit 304d performs the setting of judgment index, stability check requirements, and print block correction requirements.

[0410] Here, the judgment index refers to one of the upper and lower limits of the distance (height) measurement value. Stability checking is a process for verifying the reliability of the measurement. More specifically, it is a process for verifying measurement reliability based on the number of successful measurements (the number of successes or the success frequency) out of multiple distance (height) measurements performed. For example, the stability check related to this embodiment can be configured such that when the number of successful measurements or the success frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is determined that "the reliability of the measurement is ensured," and calibration of the print block is allowed. Furthermore, by setting whether calibration of the print block is required, it is possible to set whether, for the print block Pb selected in step S231, only a distance measurement is performed, or calibration of the print pattern Pp based on the measurement result is performed.

[0411] In the next step S233, the pre-printing processing setting unit 304d sets the NG determination action. The NG determination action refers to the operation performed when the distance measurement result exceeds the determination index range set in step S232 (i.e., when the NG determination is established).

[0412] The settings for actions during NG determination include the processing settings that should be executed when an NG determination is successful.

[0413] These processes include multiple steps. These steps include not outputting errors and warnings, outputting warnings, and outputting errors and interrupting laser printing.

[0414] The settings for actions during NG determination also include settings for other processes to be performed when the NG condition is met. These processes include multiple processes. These multiple processes include continuing laser printing (printing continues), continuing laser printing after height correction (printing continues after correction), and interrupting laser printing (printing interrupts). In this embodiment, when "error output" is selected, "printing interrupts" is automatically selected. Determinations related to "printing interrupts," such as the determination of NG conditions, are examples of "determination of whether printing processing is feasible" in this disclosure.

[0415] On the other hand, regarding the height detection settings, such as... Figure 22 As illustrated in steps S241, S242, and S243 of the right figure, all settings are included in height correction. "Settings for correction mode," "Settings for correction reference position," and "Settings for tilt correction requirements" are settings specific to height correction and are excluded from the settings for height detection.

[0416] pass Figure 22 The settings determined in each step constitute another element of the print settings. After being transmitted from the setting device 300 to the print controller 100, they are stored in the storage unit 101 of the print controller 100.

[0417] <6. Operation of the Laser Printing Unit>

[0418] Regarding the operating procedures of the laser printing unit L based on the workflow editing department 304c, please refer again... Figure 7 Step S3 will be explained first. Figure 7 In step S31, in step S301, when a trigger signal is input from PLC 402, etc. to the print controller 100, a new workpiece (correction object) W', which is different from the workpiece (setting object) W used for various settings including pattern area Rp, is conveyed.

[0419] In the next step S32, the print controller 100 performs pre-printing processing via the print head 1. In the next step S33, the print controller 100 performs printing processing via the print head 1. In the next step S34, the print controller 100 performs post-printing processing via the print head 1. In steps S32 to S34, the print controller 100 performs a series of processes, including printing.

[0420] Here, in steps S32 to S34, the print controller 100 executes the printing process and the pre- and post-printing processes added to the workflow Wf, according to the order specified by the workflow editing department. Figure 21 In the Wf workflow, pre-printing processing performs XYθ correction and height correction, while post-printing processing performs code reading and window checking.

[0421] Furthermore, if pre-print processing is not selected, step S32 will be omitted; if post-print processing is not selected, step S34 will be omitted.

[0422] After the series of processes shown in steps S32 to S34 are completed, the print controller 100 advances the control process to step S35. In step S35, the print controller 100 determines whether the operation of the laser printing device L has ended based on the condition settings transmitted from the setting device 300 and the signals input from the PLC 402. If this determination is "yes", the print controller 100 will terminate the process. Figure 7 The process.

[0423] On the other hand, if the determination in step S35 is "no", the print controller 100 will wait until it can receive the trigger signal again (step S36). When it becomes able to receive the trigger signal, the print controller 100 will return the control process to step S31.

[0424] The following reference Figure 23 and Figure 24 This illustrates a specific example of pre-print processing based on workflow Wf. Figure 23 and Figure 24 This example illustrates a scenario where multiple pre-print processing steps are added to a workflow (Wf), but only XYθ correction and height correction are set to "On". Figure 21 (In the case of) pre-printing processing performed.

[0425] First of all, Figure 23 In step S301, the print controller 100 starts the laser scanning unit 4. The print controller 100 points the imaging optical axis A4 of the coaxial camera 62 to the position where the workpiece W is expected to be transported during the transport line operation. It should be noted that if a wide-area camera 7 is used instead of the coaxial camera 62, step S301 will no longer be necessary.

[0426] After that, as Figure 1 As shown, with the input of the trigger signal, a new workpiece W', different from the workpiece W used for various settings including the pattern area Rp, is conveyed below the printhead 1.

[0427] Here, the print block Pb corresponding to the print pattern Pm is set using a coordinate system defined on the setup interface R2. Therefore, when the print object W' deviates from the setup object W in the XY direction, the print pattern Pm may not be formed at the desired position on the print object W'.

[0428] Therefore, the print controller 100 performs a pattern search and XYθ correction based on the aforementioned new workpiece W', i.e., the print object W'.

[0429] Specifically, in step S302, which continues from step S301, the print controller 100 generates an imaging image Pw' via the coaxial camera 62 and displays the generated imaging image Pw' overlaid on the settings interface R2 (see...). Figure 12 ).

[0430] Then, in step S303 following step S302, the print controller 100 reads... Figure 21 The condition settings (search conditions) for each print block Pb selected in step S211 are shown in the figure.

[0431] In the subsequent step S304, the print controller 100 performs the pattern search as described above. By performing the pattern search, the XY deviation of the pattern region Rp between the initial workpiece W, which is the setting object W, and the new workpiece W', which is the printing object W', can be detected, even though the latter belongs to the same type or model as the former, but is newly transported during equipment operation.

[0432] In the next step S305, the print controller 100 executes the reference... Figure 21 The determination of whether the explained non-conforming condition is met or not. When the non-conforming condition is met, the print controller 100 executes the preset processing.

[0433] Figure 21 The information omitted here, but related to pattern search settings includes the relative positional relationship V1 between the pattern region Pr and the print block Pb, which is the target for correction (see [link]). Figure 12 Therefore, if the position Sr of the pattern region Pr on the printing object W' can be determined, the printing block Pb' and the printing pattern Pm' corresponding to the position Sr can be determined based on the above relative positional relationship V1.

[0434] However, at this point in time, the position and orientation deviation (Z-deviation) between workpieces W and W' in the Z-direction has not yet been eliminated. When Z-deviation occurs (when the height and tilt of workpiece W change), XY deviation will be further generated due to factors such as the expanded field of view of the coaxial camera 62.

[0435] Therefore, correcting the position of the print block Pb solely based on the detection results obtained in step S304 will result in residual positional deviations in the XY directions caused by the height of the print object W'.

[0436] Therefore, in step S306, which continues from step S305, the XYθ processing unit 131 performs temporary correction on the XY deviation of the printed object W' based on the detection result of step S304.

[0437] Specifically, the XYθ processing unit 131 moves the printing coordinate system specified on the setting interface R2 in a direction that cancels out the XY deviation detected by the XYθ processing unit 131. In this way, the initially set XY coordinates can be converted into temporary XY coordinates (temporary coordinates) that at least partially cancel out the XY deviation.

[0438] Then, by converting the XY coordinates to temporary coordinates, the position of the print block Pb, which was set using the XY coordinates before the conversion, moves with the conversion to the temporary coordinates.

[0439] On the other hand, although Figure 22 The coordinates of the ranging position I associated with each print block Pb are omitted, but the settings related to height correction include these coordinates. Therefore, when the XY coordinates are converted to temporary coordinates in step S305, the ranging position I will move as the print block Pb moves.

[0440] In other words, the XYθ processing unit 131 generates a ranging position I' on the printing object W' by correcting the ranging position I set by the pre-printing processing setting unit 304d (see [link]). Figure 12 ).

[0441] In this way, based on the detection results of the XY deviation, the XYθ processing unit 131 corrects the position of the printing block Pb and the distance measurement position I between the setting object W and the printing object W', respectively.

[0442] Then, in step S307, which continues from step S306, the print controller 100 determines whether the pattern search for all print blocks Pb that are the correction objects of the print patterns Pm set as XY deviation related has been completed. If the determination result is "yes", then proceeds to... Figure 24 If the answer is "No", proceed to step S308; otherwise, return to step S302.

[0443] In the next step S308, the print controller 100 reads... Figure 22 In step S231, the condition settings (distance measurement conditions) for each printed block Pb are selected, as shown in the figure.

[0444] In the subsequent step S309, the head control unit 102 controls the laser scanning unit 4 to illuminate the calibrated ranging position I' with the ranging light. This allows the distance from the print head 1 to the ranging position I', which reflects the temporary coordinate system transformation, to be measured.

[0445] In the subsequent step S310, the distance measuring unit 103 activates the ranging unit 5. At this time, the emission unit 51 measures the distance from the laser printing device L to the surface of the printing object W'. The light receiving unit 52 receives the ranging light reflected from the surface of the printing object W' and returned by the laser scanning unit 4. In this way, the distance from the print head 1 to the ranging position I' calibrated by the XYθ processing unit 131 is measured, and then the height of the printing object W' at that ranging position I' is measured.

[0446] In the next step S311, the print controller 100 executes the reference... Figure 22 The determination of whether the described non-conforming conditions are met. When a non-conforming condition is met, the print controller 100 executes a pre-set process.

[0447] In the subsequent step S312, the Z-processing unit 132 acquires the Z-coordinate of the workpiece W' at the distance measurement position I' based on the measurement results of the distance measurement unit 103, and simultaneously detects the Z-axis deviation of the printed object W'. This Z-axis deviation can be detected based on the difference between the acquired Z-coordinate and the Z-direction reference height (origin coordinate).

[0448] The Z-processing unit 132 obtains the control parameters of the focus adjustment unit 33 based on the Z-axis deviation of the printed object W'. The control parameters obtained here are equivalent to the parameters (Z coordinate, correction value of focus position) used by the focus adjustment unit 33 when correcting the focus position.

[0449] The parameters obtained in this way are used by the head control unit 102 to control the focus adjustment unit 33 before laser printing is performed on the printing object W'. That is, in this embodiment, the focus adjustment unit 33 can adjust the focus position based on the measurement results of the distance measurement unit 103 while the XYθ processing unit 131 is correcting the distance measurement position I before irradiating the printing object W' with the printing laser.

[0450] In step S313, continuing from step S312, the XYθ processing unit 131 re-transforms the XY coordinates based on the Z-axis deviation detected in step S312. This re-transformation takes into account both the XY deviation detected through pattern search and the XY direction positional offset caused by the height of the printed object W'.

[0451] Therefore, the XY deviation of the printed object W' can be accurately corrected, and the desired printed pattern Pm can be formed at the desired position on the printed object W'.

[0452] Then, in step S314 after step S313, the print controller 100 determines whether the height measurement of all ranging positions I has been completed. If the determination result is "yes", it proceeds to step S315; if it is "no", it returns to step S308.

[0453] In step S315, the XYθ processing unit 131 and the Z processing unit 132 correct the emission position of the printing laser in the XYZ directions. In this step S315, XY direction position and attitude correction considering the influence of the workpiece W height is considered simultaneously, as well as Z direction position and attitude correction (focal position correction) based on the workpiece W height.

[0454] Therefore, based on Figure 21 The workflow shown illustrates the completion of pre-printing processing for Wf. Afterwards, from... Figure 24 Enter Figure 7 In step S33, the print controller 100 performs the printing process.

[0455] Since the position and attitude deviations in the XYZ directions have been corrected, the head control unit 102 can perform two-dimensional scanning while taking into account the effects of XY and Z-axis deviations. Furthermore, during tilt correction for height correction, height measurements are performed at at least three ranging positions I. In this case, in the aforementioned step S315, a correction to counteract tilt (tilt correction) is performed. This tilt correction can be achieved using trapezoidal correction of the imaging image Pw'.

[0456] For example, such as Figure 25 As shown, the heights of ranging positions I1, I2, I3, and I4 are measured. Based on the measurement results, trapezoidal correction is performed using each ranging position I1 to I4 as the four corners. In this case, ranging positions I1, I2, I3, and I4 are converted into correction positions I1', I2', I3', and I4', respectively.

[0457] Furthermore, in the case of image recognition, the processing in steps S306, S313, and S315 is unnecessary. In the case of height detection, steps S312 and S315 are unnecessary. The processing in step S315, for example, is effective for ensuring various levels of accuracy, such as printing accuracy, when both position correction and height detection are set to be performed.

[0458] <7. Relationship between position correction and focal length>

[0459] In addition, positional corrections on a two-dimensional plane, such as XYθ correction, may reduce printing accuracy when the workpiece W with height is the printing object.

[0460] For example, when the laser used for printing performs two-dimensional scanning in the laser scanning unit 4, the focal position of the printing area R1 set on the workpiece W may differ near the center and near the edge of the printing area R1. Specifically, as the focus moves from the center of the printing area R1 towards the edge, the focal position separates from the printing area R1. Therefore, when position correction is performed on the two-dimensional plane, the corrected focal position may shift. This is detrimental to maintaining high printing accuracy.

[0461] For example, such as Figure 26 As shown, consider the case where a marking laser is irradiated onto a first workpiece W1 whose focal position Df has been optimized, and a second workpiece W2 whose position has shifted relative to the first workpiece W1 in the XY direction.

[0462] Here, assuming that after correcting the XY direction position offset of the second workpiece W2, the irradiation position of the marking laser moves from T1 to T2, then the optimized focal position Df of the first workpiece W1 will shift by ΔD from the surface of the second workpiece W2. This shift in focal position will be detrimental to maintaining high printing accuracy.

[0463] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the laser printing device L can be as follows: Figure 23 As shown in step S306, the XYθ processing unit 131 detects the positional offset of the workpiece W' in the XY direction and corrects the ranging position I based on the detection result. Then, as... Figure 24 As shown in step S312, before the laser printing device L irradiates the workpiece W' with the laser, the focal position is corrected based on the measurement result of the distance measurement unit 103, while the XYθ processing unit 131 has already corrected the distance measurement position I.

[0464] In this way, by adjusting the configuration of the focus position while the positional offset of the workpiece W' is corrected, high printing accuracy can be maintained even if the positional offset of the workpiece W' occurs.

[0465] <8. Regarding workflow processing>

[0466] As described above, the workflow editing unit 304c of this embodiment, such as Figure 17 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, based on user input, a workflow Wf is edited, which includes a series of processes such as printing. During editing, the workflow editing unit 304c, as... Figure 8 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, the receiving unit 304g receives the selected pre- and post-printing processes and adds them to the workflow Wf in the order corresponding to the pre-stored sequence information Io.

[0467] With this configuration, even without requiring knowledge of the function of each process, a workflow Wf that specifies the execution order of each process can be appropriately set, and each process can be executed according to this setting. Furthermore, even users with knowledge of the function of each process can quickly set up the workflow Wf without having to make step-by-step judgments based on that knowledge. Therefore, the configuration of the above embodiment improves the user convenience of the laser printing device L.

[0468] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the pre-printing processing related to the above embodiments may include multiple processes that combine the imaging units 62 and 7 and the ranging unit 5. Allowing the user to set the execution order of these processes is inappropriate from a user convenience perspective.

[0469] In contrast, the laser printing device L described above can perform each process in the appropriate order without asking the user's knowledge, even when the pre-printing process may involve multiple processes, thus helping to improve user convenience.

[0470] In addition, such as Figure 8 , Figure 12 and Figure 21 As shown, the settings and processing for XYθ correction and image recognition are largely redundant, and they are rarely used together. While XYθ performs more advanced processing, such as correction of printed data, it... Figure 21 As shown, some settings require prior knowledge and may not be easy to use for inexperienced users. While image recognition doesn't perform advanced processing like XYθ correction, it's still easy to use even for novice users.

[0471] Therefore, as Figure 8 The 3rd column and Figure 17 As shown in steps S134 and S135, the workflow editing unit 304c of the above embodiment adds only one of the processes that are not expected to be used together to the workflow Wf. As a result, a more appropriate workflow Wf can be created.

[0472] In addition, as referenced Figure 8 and Figure 22 As explained, height correction and height detection involve a lot of overlap in setup and processing, and practically they are not used together. While height correction performs more advanced processing such as print data correction, it... Figure 22 As shown, some settings require prior knowledge and may not be easy to use for inexperienced users. While height detection doesn't perform as advanced processing as height correction, it's still easy to use even for novice users.

[0473] Therefore, as Figure 8The 3rd column and Figure 17 As shown in steps S134 and S135, the workflow editing unit 304c, related to the above embodiment, adds only one of the processes that are not expected to be used simultaneously to the workflow Wf. As a result, a more appropriate workflow Wf can be created.

[0474] In addition, such as Figure 8 The sequence information Io and Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown in the example, the laser printing device L determines the position and orientation of the workpiece W through XYθ correction or image recognition, and then performs height correction or height detection after this determination. By performing these processes in this sequence, the ranging position I can be adjusted according to the position and orientation of the workpiece W. This allows for the use of a more appropriate ranging position I.

[0475] In addition, such as Figure 12 , Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 26 As shown, when height correction is performed after XYθ correction, the result of the XYθ correction can be used to correct the focus position based on the measurement result of the corrected range position I' while the range position I is corrected. In this way, the positional offset of the printed object W' can be taken into account to correct the range position I, and then the focus position can be adjusted, maintaining high printing accuracy even if the printed object W' shifts positionally.

[0476] Setting up a workflow Wf that reflects this processing order is not always easy, but as in this embodiment, the structure that automatically adjusts the execution order based on the sequence information Io can improve user convenience.

[0477] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the window check, as a maintenance process, involves the control of the ranging unit 5. Therefore, for the above-described first to fourth pre-printing processes, it can be assumed that there is an appropriate execution order. However, setting an appropriate execution order is not easy for inexperienced users.

[0478] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the sequence information Io is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the execution order of window checks is specified. Therefore, when editing a workflow (Wf), the execution order of window checks can also be automatically specified, which helps improve user convenience.

[0479] In addition, such as Figure 15 As shown, when dirt adheres to the transparent part 19a, the light-receiving part 52 should only receive the ranging light reflected by the workpiece W, but in reality it will receive the ranging light reflected by the transparent part 19a, or in addition to the ranging light reflected by the workpiece W, it will also receive the ranging light reflected by the transparent part 19a.

[0480] Here, the distance to the transparent component 19a does not change with the type of workpiece W. Therefore, the position of light exposure caused by dirt on the transparent component 19a can be predicted in advance.

[0481] Therefore, by considering the positions of each light-receiving point, for example, the window inspection unit 151 can determine the ranging light caused by the reflected light from the transparent member 19a from the ranging light received by the light-receiving unit 52. In this way, the window inspection unit 151 can detect dirt on the transparent member 19a.

[0482] Dirt on the transparent component 19a is inconvenient for processes such as the first to fourth pre-printing processes, where ranging and imaging beams need to pass through it. Therefore, by scheduling the window inspection before the first to fourth pre-printing processes, the laser printer L can be stopped earlier if abnormal maintenance information or signs of abnormality are detected. This improves user convenience. This advantage is particularly significant when the window inspection is scheduled before the first, second, third, and fourth pre-printing processes.

[0483] The window inspection, as a maintenance process, is equivalent to checking the status of the laser printer L itself. Therefore, it can be performed smoothly even if the printed workpiece W is far away from the laser printer L. On the other hand, the print confirmation process and the image capture process, which are inspection processes, require imaging the workpiece W. Therefore, if the printed workpiece W has already left the laser printer L, the process cannot proceed. Thus, it is more convenient to perform the window inspection after the print confirmation process and the image capture process.

[0484] On the other hand, setting the window check to occur after print confirmation and photo processing may not be easy for inexperienced users.

[0485] In comparison, such as Figure 8 As shown, by pre-defining the sequence information Io, window checks are performed after print confirmation and photo capture processes, allowing even inexperienced users to build more appropriate workflows. This improves user convenience.

[0486] In addition, such as Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the display unit 301 independently displays the process display area Rf1 and the process selection area Rf2. This structure provides excellent visibility and helps improve user convenience.

[0487] In addition, such as Figure 21 and Figure 22As shown, by using the fourth interface If4, which serves as a switching unit, each process constituting the workflow Wf can be switched on and off individually without changing the structure of the workflow Wf itself each time. This improves user convenience.

[0488] Other Implementation Methods

[0489] In the aforementioned embodiment, the XYθ processing unit 131 is configured to use the imaging image Pw, i.e., the pattern image Pp, cut out from the pattern region Rp as image information within the pattern region Rp; however, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The region setting unit 304e may also use edge information (e.g., edge information based on brightness values) of the imaging image Pw within the pattern region Rp as image information within the pattern region Rp. Furthermore, the image information within the pattern region Rp may also use shape information such as object contours, color information, texture information, etc.

[0490] also, Figure 2 The optical system configuration shown is merely an example. For instance, regarding the print area inspection unit 6, the guiding optical axis A2 of the guiding light source 61 can be separated from the upstream laser optical axis A11. The first imaging optical axis A4 of the coaxial camera 62 and the ranging optical axis A3 of the ranging unit 5 can also be separated from the midway point of the laser optical axis A1 connecting the laser generation unit 2 and the laser scanning unit 4.

Claims

1. A laser printing device, characterized in that, include: The laser generation unit is used to generate laser light that irradiates the printing area of ​​the workpiece. A laser scanning unit is used to perform two-dimensional scanning of the laser generated by the laser generating unit within the printing area; The imaging unit acquires an image by imaging the workpiece; The distance detection unit is used to output a detection signal representing the distance from the distance measurement position to the distance measurement position on the surface of the workpiece; The control unit controls the laser generating unit and the laser scanning unit to perform a printing process in the printing area to form a specified printing pattern, and controls at least one of the imaging unit and the distance detection unit to perform pre- and post-printing processing consisting of at least one of the following: pre-printing processing, acquiring relevant information of at least one of the position and orientation of the workpiece before performing the printing process; Post-printing processing involves obtaining relevant information about the printed pattern formed by the printing process after the printing process is executed. The laser printing device also includes: The sequence information storage unit is used to store the sequence information corresponding to each of the pre- and post-printing processes; A trigger signal receiving unit is used to receive an input trigger signal that causes the control unit to perform the printing process; A workflow editing unit is used to edit a workflow that defines a series of processes, including the printing process, executed by the control unit between the receipt of the trigger signal input by the trigger signal receiving unit and the state where the trigger signal input can be received again. A display unit is used to display the pre- and post-printing processes stored in the sequence information storage unit and corresponding to the sequence information; A receiving unit is configured to receive, based on user input, a selection of pre- and post-printing processes to be included in the workflow from the pre- and post-printing processes displayed on the display unit; Specifically, the workflow editing unit receives the selected pre- and post-printing processes from the receiving unit and adds them to the workflow containing the printing processes in the order corresponding to the order information stored in the order information storage unit. The control unit executes the printing process and the pre- and post-printing processes in the order specified by the workflow, which has been modified by the workflow editing unit.

2. The laser printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The distance detection unit detects the receiving position of the ranging light emitted by the laser scanning unit toward the ranging position and reflected at the ranging position, and outputs a detection signal representing the distance to the ranging position based on the receiving position.

3. The laser printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The display unit shows a settings interface corresponding to the printing area, and displays the imaging image generated by the imaging unit on the settings interface. The setting interface displayed on the display unit includes a printing settings section for setting the position and orientation of the printed pattern on the workpiece. A print data generation unit that generates print data corresponding to the print pattern set by the print settings unit. A focus adjustment unit, located between the laser generating unit and the laser scanning unit, adjusts the focus position of the laser generated by the laser generating unit. It also has, The pre-printing processing includes one or more of the following: First printing preprocessing: Based on the imaging image acquired by the imaging unit, the position and orientation of the workpiece relative to the laser printing device are determined. Simultaneously, based on this determination result, the position and orientation of the printed pattern are corrected according to the position and orientation of the workpiece, thereby correcting the printing data. Second printing preprocessing: Based on the imaging image acquired by the imaging unit, the position and orientation of the workpiece relative to the laser printing device are determined, and based on the determination result, it is decided whether to perform the printing process on the workpiece. Third printing preprocessing: Based on the distance to the ranging position obtained by the distance detection unit, the focus position is adjusted by the focus adjustment unit. Fourth printing preprocessing: Based on the distance to the measuring position obtained by the distance detection unit, it is determined whether to perform the printing process on the workpiece.

4. The laser printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, If the receiving unit accepts the selection of both the first and second pre-print processing, the workflow editing unit will selectively add one of the first and second pre-print processing to the workflow.

5. The laser printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, When the receiving unit receives the selections of the third and fourth print preprocessing processes, the workflow editing unit selectively adds one of the third and fourth print preprocessing processes to the workflow.

6. The laser printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The sequence information specifies that the first or second print preprocessing is performed before the third or fourth print preprocessing.

7. The laser printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, When the control unit performs a third printing preprocessing after the first printing preprocessing is specified in the workflow, it corrects the distance measurement position based on the position and orientation of the workpiece determined by the first printing preprocessing, and performs the third printing preprocessing based on the corrected distance measurement position.

8. The laser printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, At least one of the pre-printing processing and the post-printing processing further includes a maintenance process in which the control unit controls the distance detection unit to obtain maintenance information of the laser printing device. The sequence information is defined as including the execution order of the maintenance process.

9. The laser printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The distance detection unit has: The output section that emits ranging light to the laser scanning unit, and The laser scanning unit receives the ranging light emitted from the emission unit and reflected by the workpiece through a light receiving unit. The laser printing device includes: The housing contains the laser generating unit and the laser scanning unit. A transparent component mounted on the chassis for transmitting the laser light used in the two-dimensional scanning by the laser scanning unit. The window inspection unit detects and outputs dirt on the transparent component as maintenance information by using a specific range-measuring light reflected from the transparent component within the range-measuring light received by the light-receiving unit. The pre-printing processing includes the maintenance process. The sequence information specifies that the maintenance process is performed before the first to fourth pre-printing processes.

10. The laser printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The post-printing processing includes: The maintenance process, and An inspection process that examines a workpiece on which the printed pattern has been printed using the printing process, based on the imaging image acquired by the imaging unit. The sequence information specifies that the maintenance process is performed after the check process.

11. The laser printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The display unit, The display area shows the workflow structure, visualizing the execution order of the pre- and post-printing processes, reflecting the state of the printing process. The process selection area is displayed independently from the process display area and lists the pre- and post-printing processes. It also accepts user input for selecting the pre- and post-printing processes.

12. The laser printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The display unit, within the workflow display area, shows a switching function for toggling whether each of the pre- and post-printing processes constituting the workflow is executed. The receiving unit receives user input via the switching unit, indicating whether to execute the command. The control unit performs the printing process and the pre- and post-printing processing in a manner that reflects the user input through the switching unit.

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