Method for detecting an interchangeable processing table or table type of a laser plotter, and a laser plotter for engraving, marking and / or inscribing a workpiece for this purpose

Abstract

The invention relates to a laser plotter (1) and to a method for detecting an interchangeable processing table (9) or table type (9) of a laser plotter (1) for cutting, engraving, marking and / or inscribing a workpiece (7), in which method at least one beam source (4) in the form of a laser (5, 6) is installed in a housing (3) of the laser plotter (1), wherein, when the beam source (4) is activated, a laser beam (10) is directed via deflection elements (11) to a focusing unit (12) or laser head (12), and a processing table (9) or processing chamber (8) is captured by means of at least one camera (23) which is preferably positioned in the lid (21). The camera (23) captures at least one image (32) of the processing table (9) or of the table type (9) of the laser plotter (1) and sends it to a piece of table analysis software (33) of a piece of software (28) on the laser plotter (1) or on an externally connected component (15), in particular a laptop, whereupon the table analysis software (33) evaluates one or more defined evaluation positions of the captured image (32) of the processing table (9) or table type (9), by features of the processing table (9) or table type (9) being compared with stored features of the possible processing tables (9) or table types (9), or by marking types (35) being read out.

Description

[0001] Method for detecting an interchangeable machining table or table type of a laser plotter, as well as a laser plotter for engraving, marking and / or labeling a workpiece therefor

[0002] The invention relates to a method for detecting an interchangeable processing table or table type of a laser plotter for cutting, engraving, marking and / or labeling a workpiece, as well as to a laser plotter for engraving, marking and / or labeling a workpiece, as described in claims 1 and 15.

[0003] Laser machines and laser plotters that operate one or more laser sources are already known from the prior art. For this purpose, a laser beam is sent from the laser source to a laser head or a focusing unit, wherein the laser beam is focused in the laser head or the focusing unit via an optical element, in particular a lens. Furthermore, the laser head or the focusing unit has a nozzle. The selection of the correct nozzle influences the quality of the processing, in particular the engraving, and the nozzle simultaneously protects the lens from dust or gunk. Preferably, the laser machine is connected to an external component, in particular a laptop. Graphics and / or text are displayed on the external component, in particular a computer, or a control unit, using commercially available or proprietary software, such as CorelDraw, Paint, Ruby, etc., which is transferred or exported to the control unit of the laser plotter, which converts the transferred data, in particular the graphics and / or text, to control the individual elements of the laser machine or laser plotter.

[0004] In principle, systems from the applicant, in particular Trotec Laser GmbH, and also from competitors are already known in which a wide variety of settings can be adjusted for processing the workpiece, such as the laser power, the material, the material thickness, the lens or lens type, the nozzle, etc. For this purpose, the processing table or table type can also be set as a parameter in the software, i.e. the user can select and set the appropriate processing tables or table types under the "Processing table or table type" parameter. For example, when processing foil or paper, a vacuum table with high extraction power is necessary to achieve optimal results. When cutting acrylic, on the other hand, as few support points as possible are desirable to avoid rear projection. In this case, an acrylic grid table or an acrylic slat cutting table is best suited.

[0005] The processing table can be easily replaced by the user, for example, by simply lifting it from the support elements in the housing of the laser machine and inserting a different processing table. Different processing tables or table types are available to the user, such as

[0006] - Aluminum mesh cutting table (Figure 2a)

[0007] - Aluminum slat cutting table (Figure 2b)

[0008] - Acrylic grid cutting table (Figure 2c)

[0009] - Acrylic slat cutting table (Figure 2d)

[0010] - Vacuum table (Figure 2e)

[0011] - Ferromagnetic engraving table (Figure 2f)

[0012] - Honeycomb cutting support (Figure 2g)

[0013] - etc., which can be used for a wide variety of tasks or processing processes.

[0014] The disadvantage here is that while it's easy to swap out the processing table or table type on a laser machine, the type of the swapped processing table or table type must be manually configured in the software. This can lead to incorrect types being entered or selected in the software, or the user forgetting to adjust the processing tables or table type in the software. For example, if the wrong table is used for a thick cut in acrylic, severe flame formation can be expected.

[0015] The object of the invention is to provide a method for recognizing an interchangeable processing table or table type of a laser plotter for cutting, engraving, marking and / or labeling a workpiece, as well as a laser plotter for engraving, marking and / or labeling a workpiece, in which on the one hand the above-mentioned disadvantages are avoided and on the other hand a high level of user-friendliness is achieved by recognizing the processing table or table type.

[0016] This object is achieved by the invention. Advantageous embodiments and / or method measures are described in the subclaims.

[0017] The object of the invention is achieved by a method for detecting an interchangeable processing table or table type of a laser plotter for cutting, engraving, marking and / or labeling a workpiece, in which at least one image of the processing table or table type of the laser plotter is recorded by the camera and sent to a table analysis software of a software on the laser plotter or to an externally connected component, in particular a laptop, whereupon one or more defined evaluation positions of the recorded image of the processing table or table type are evaluated by the table analysis software, in which features of the processing table or table type are compared with stored features of the possible processing tables or table types or marking types are read out.

[0018] The advantage here is that the inserted table is automatically recognized. It is advantageous if the inserted machining table or table type is evaluated first before or during each machining process, so that the machining process can continue if the settings are correct. It is also possible to check the configured machining process against the evaluated machining table or table type, so that, for example, an error message or a stop of the machining process is initiated if the machining process does not match the machining table. Furthermore, it is also possible for a missing table to be detected, so that the machining process is stopped immediately.

[0019] Advantageous are measures where the features for recognizing the machining table or table type are formed by geometric structures, holes, grids, etc., which are preferably stored in a database. This enables a simple comparison of the stored features with the recorded features. Advantageous are measures where several different features for different evaluation positions of the machining table are saved and used by the table analysis software. This enables table recognition when the workpiece is inserted. If one or more evaluation positions are covered by the workpiece, further

[0020] Evaluation positions for the table analysis software to recognize the machining table or table type.

[0021] Advantageous are measures where the recognition of the machining table or table type is carried out or possible even when the workpiece is inserted or placed on top.

[0022] This ensures that after the machining process has started, preferably before the laser is activated, the table analysis software is activated and the machining table or table type is recognized. This allows the recognized machining table to be compared with the configured machining table. If the table matches, the machining process continues. If the table matches, the machining process is interrupted. However, it is also possible for the machining table to be used for machining the workpiece after it has been recognized.

[0023] Advantageous measures include the table analysis software being implemented by software that is preferably integrated into the control unit software and / or the job creation or processing software, particularly the external component. This ensures easy integration.

[0024] Advantageous measures include installing the camera in the cover of the laser plotter's housing, which can be triggered when the cover is open or closed. This means that the camera used to detect the position of an inserted workpiece in the processing area can also be used to detect the processing table or table type. Thus, one camera can be sufficient for determining the position of a workpiece in a laser plotter's processing area and for detecting the processing table or table type. Of course, it is also possible to install a separate camera for detecting the processing table or table type. Advantageously, a camera located in the cover detects the workpiece and detects the processing table or table type.

[0025] Advantageous measures include comparing the detected machining table or table type with the machining table or table type set in the control unit or software, or adopting the detected machining table or table type from the control unit or software. This ensures that a change in a machining table or table type is automatically detected. If the machining table or table type used does not match the set machining table or table type, the user is informed, for example by opening a window on the connected component, in particular a laptop, that the machining table or table type used does not match the set machining table or table type. Preferably, the user is also asked whether the newly used or detected machining table or table type should be adopted.If the stored machining table or table type matches the queried one, the machining process can be started. It is possible that a query or check of the machining table or table type is automatically performed after the machining process is activated.

[0026] Advantageous measures include taking a reference image or image of the machining table or table type with the camera and storing it in a database. This allows for a quick and easy comparison of a captured image with the reference image.

[0027] Advantageous measures include defining one or more positions for evaluating the machining table or table type on the reference image or image, and then evaluating a newly acquired image at this or these positions. This enables rapid evaluation, as the areas to be evaluated are stored in the reference image. By using multiple positions, it is also possible to perform table detection when a workpiece is inserted and one or more positions are covered by the workpiece. However, if the workpiece covers the entire machining table, the table analysis software will detect this and issue a corresponding message or warning so that the user can approve it.

[0028] Advantageous measures include identifying the machining table or table type and comparing it with the machining table or table type stored in the software. This ensures that any deviations are automatically detected.

[0029] Measures that detect the machining table or table type when a job or machining process is started are advantageous. This ensures that the machining table or table type used is checked when a job is called without an external component connected.

[0030] Advantageous measures include saving the detected machining table or table type, especially the captured images, on a storage medium, particularly in the cloud. This enables easy access for remote maintenance. Furthermore, it allows data to be collected that can be used for warranty processing.

[0031] Measures that use deep learning to detect the processing table or table type are advantageous. This allows a large number of images to be processed.

[0032] However, measures are also advantageous in which, in order to process the workpiece, a laser beam emitted by the beam source is sent, preferably via deflection elements, to at least one focusing unit, from which the laser beam is deflected in the direction of the workpiece and focused for processing, wherein the control is carried out via software running in a control unit, preferably by processing a so-called job, in particular from transferred or loaded data, wherein the workpiece is processed by adjusting a carriage, preferably via a belt drive, in the XY direction, wherein preferably on an external component, in particular a computer or a control unit, a graphic and / or text is created using commercially available or in-house software, such as CorelDraw, Paint, Ruby, etc., which is then transferred to the control unit of the laser plotter orwhich converts the transferred data, particularly the graphics and / or text, to control the individual elements of the laser machine or laser plotter. This ensures that, once the processing table or table type has been recognized, the workpiece can be processed. It is possible for the processing table or table type to be queried automatically first when a processing process starts, or for the processing table or table type to be queried manually first and then the processing process to be started.

[0033] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a laser plotter for engraving, marking and / or labeling a workpiece, in which, in order to record an image of a processing table or table type used, the table is moved or positioned in a defined position, wherein table analysis software is designed to evaluate the processing table or table type used.

[0034] An advantage here is that the machining table or table type used is automatically recognized. Preferably, after the machining table or table type is recognized, it is compared with the machining table or table type stored in the software, and a message is displayed if there is a discrepancy. It is also possible for the requested machining table or table type to be automatically imported into the software.

[0035] It is advantageous to have a training program in which the table analysis software is designed to evaluate optical features, especially geometric structures, holes, grids, etc. This ensures that the machining table or table type used can be evaluated by simply taking an image of the machining table or table type.

[0036] The invention is then described in the form of an embodiment, whereby it is pointed out that the invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiment or solution, but can be transferred to equivalent solutions.

[0037] Shown are: Fig.1 a diagrammatic representation of a laser machine, in particular a laser plotter, for processing a workpiece with a camera system on the cover, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0038] Fig. 2a is a diagrammatic representation of the laser machine, in particular the laser plotter, with an aluminum grid cutting table, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0039] Fig. 2b is a diagrammatic representation of the laser machine, in particular the laser plotter, with an aluminum slat cutting table, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0040] Fig. 2c is a diagrammatic representation of the laser machine, in particular the laser plotter, with an acrylic grid cutting table, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0041] Fig. 2d is a diagrammatic representation of the laser machine, in particular the laser plotter, with an acrylic slat cutting table, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0042] Fig. 2e is a diagrammatic representation of the laser machine, in particular the laser plotter, with a vacuum table, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0043] Fig. 2f is a diagrammatic representation of the laser machine, in particular the laser plotter, with a ferromagnetic engraving table, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0044] Fig. 2g is a diagrammatic representation of the laser machine, in particular the laser plotter, with a honeycomb cutting support, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0045] Fig.3 is a simplified, schematic representation of an image taken by a camera arranged in the cover of the laser machine, in which the processing space is shown without the processing table inserted;

[0046] Fig.4 a schematic representation of a software interface on the screen of the external component, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0047] Fig.5 is a diagrammatic representation of a laser machine with a recorded image for table recognition, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0048] Fig. 6 shows another exemplary embodiment of a diagrammatic representation of a laser machine with a recorded image for table recognition, in a simplified, schematic representation. By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the various embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the described figure and, if the position changes, is to be applied analogously to the new position.

[0049] In Figs. 1 to 6, embodiments of laser machines 1 or laser devices 1, in particular laser plotters 1, are shown in which a camera system 2 is integrated.

[0050] In the laser plotter 1 shown, at least one, preferably two, radiation source(s) 4 or laser sources 4 in the form of lasers 5, 6 are arranged in a housing 3. The lasers 5 and 6 preferably act alternately on a workpiece 7 to be processed. The workpiece 7 is or will be positioned in a processing space 8 of the laser plotter 1, in particular on a processing table 9, wherein the processing table 9 is preferably adjustable in height. A laser beam 10 emitted by a radiation source 4, in particular the laser 5 or 6, is sent via deflection elements 11 to at least one movable focusing unit 12 or a movable laser head 12, from which the laser beam 10 is deflected towards the workpiece 7 and focused for processing, preferably via a lens in the focusing unit 12 or in the laser head 12.The control, in particular the position control of the laser beam 10 relative to the workpiece 7, is carried out via software running in a control unit 13. The workpiece 7 is processed by adjusting a carriage 14, on which the focusing unit 12 or the laser head 12 is also arranged for movement, preferably via a belt drive in the XY direction. It is possible, for example, that in the "engraving" processing process, the adjustment of the carriage 14 takes place line by line, whereas in the "cutting" processing process, the carriage 14 is moved according to the contour to be cut, i.e., not line by line.

[0051] A graphic 16 and / or text 16 is created or loaded on an external component 15, in particular a computer, laptop, or control unit, using commercially available software 17, such as CorelDraw, Paint, etc., or using the device's own application software 17, in particular Ruby 17. This graphic is then exported or transferred to the control unit 13 of the laser machine or laser plotter 1 in the form of a job 18. Preferably, the data to be transferred is converted by the same or different software so that the control unit 13 can process the job 18. Of course, it is also possible for the input to be made directly on the laser plotter 1 using the existing input devices 19, such as a touchscreen 19 or input keys, or for a corresponding job 18 to be loaded from a storage medium 20, such as a cloud 20a, a USB stick 20b, etc.After the data, in particular the job(s) 18, have been transferred or directly created or loaded from the storage medium 20, the job 18 is processed by the laser machine or laser plotter 1, in particular its control unit 13. It is possible for multiple jobs 18 to be stored simultaneously in the laser machine 1, in particular the laser plotter 1, and processed one after the other.

[0052] In laser machines 1 of this type, in particular laser plotters 1, it is necessary for safety reasons that in order to start a job 18 to be processed, in which the laser beam 10 acts on the workpiece 7, a cover 21 or door 21, which is preferably at least partially transparent, must be closed, as shown in Fig. 1. The operating personnel can then manually or automatically position the laser spot or a laser pointer 22, in particular laser pointer spot 22a, which is coupled into the beam path of the laser 5, 6 and is deflected towards the processing table 8 via the focusing unit 12 or laser head 12, on the inserted workpiece 7, whereupon the job 18 for processing the workpiece 7 can be started. At the end of the job 18, the carriage 14 and the focusing unit 12 orLaser head 12 is preferably adjusted to the starting position so that the finished workpiece 7 can be removed, whereupon a new machining process can be started by inserting a new workpiece 7 to be machined or a blank 7. It is advantageous here if the end of the machining is indicated visually or acoustically so that the user does not have to constantly observe the laser machine 1, in particular the laser plotter 1. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the adjustment of the focusing unit 12 or the laser head 12 with the laser pointer 22 activated is also possible when the cover 21 is open, but the laser 5, 6 cannot be activated. Furthermore, at least one camera 23 is provided in the camera system 2, wherein the camera 23 is located in the cover 21, in particular centrally in the middle of the cover 21.The camera 23 is provided for recording the processing space 8, in particular the processing table 9, so that a workpiece 7 inserted on the processing table 9 can be detected. So that one camera 23 is sufficient for a larger processing space 8, the camera 23 used preferably has a fisheye lens, whereby a calibration must be carried out to correct the distortion of the recorded processing space 8 when the camera 23 is used for the first time. However, it is also possible for two or more cameras 23 to be arranged in the cover 21 in order to be able to record the entire processing table 9, whereby fisheye lenses or normal lenses can again preferably be used for this purpose. Of course, a different positioning of the camera 23 is also possible, for example on the side walls of the processing space 8, i.e. not on the cover 21.The camera 23, for example, detects the position of the inserted workpiece 7 and preferably displays it on the external component 15, in particular the laptop. The position of the workpiece 7 is preferably detected before processing or the start of the processing process, so that the focusing unit 12 or the laser head 12 can be positioned accordingly via the laser pointer 22, for example to start the processing process or to determine the height of the processing table 9. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the position of the workpiece 7 can also be detected when the cover 21 is open, i.e., an image of the processing table 9 or the processing space 8 can be recorded when the cover 21 is open.

[0053] In the novel laser plotter 1 or the novel laser machine 1, it is now provided that the laser machine 1 or the laser plotter 1 carries out a method for recognizing an interchangeable processing table 9 or table type 9 of a laser plotter 1 for cutting, engraving, marking and / or labeling a workpiece 7 or the laser plotter 1 is designed for this purpose.

[0054] For this purpose, Figures 2a to 2g show exemplary embodiments of different processing tables 9 or table types 9. The robust aluminum grid cutting table, in particular the universal cutting table, according to Figure 2a, offers a high level of stability and is particularly suitable for cutting tasks with parts smaller than 100 mm, as these remain flat in position after cutting. The processing table 9 has more support points than the aluminum slat cutting table. The aluminum slat cutting table, according to Figure 2b, is particularly suitable for cutting thicker materials (from 8 mm thick) and for parts that are wider than 100 mm when cut. The slats can be used individually. This means that the table can be adapted to any application. The acrylic cutting grid, according to Figure 2c, prevents back reflections during cutting and is therefore particularly suitable for cutting acrylic, laminates and plastic films.It is ideal for parts smaller than 100 mm, as they remain flat in position after cutting. The acrylic slat cutting table, as shown in Figure 2d, prevents back reflections during cutting and is therefore particularly suitable for cutting thicker acrylic sheets (from 8 mm thick) and for parts that are cut larger than 100 mm. The slats can be individually positioned and can therefore be adapted to each application. The vacuum table, as shown in Figure 2e, fixes the material to the processing table using a vacuum. This ensures correct focusing over the entire surface and even better engraving results. Furthermore, handling is reduced, as manual fixing is not necessary. The vacuum table is the ideal table for thin and light materials, e.g. paper and foils, which tend not to lie completely flat on the surface. The ferromagnetic engraving table, as shown in Figure 2f, enables thin materials, such asPaper or foils, easily secured with magnets. A flat processing surface is essential for optimal results in laser engraving or laser marking. The honeycomb cutting support, as shown in Figure 2g, is particularly suitable for applications that require back reflections and optimal flatness, such as cutting membrane keyboards. It is also possible, for example, to use the honeycomb cutting support in combination with the vacuum table, i.e., to combine different table types 9. Of course, additional processing tables 9 or

[0055] Table types 9 can be used, which were not shown and listed.

[0056] Typically, the machining tables 9 or table types 9 are constructed such that they have a circumferential edge strip 24, within which the different support types 25, such as slats, grids, honeycombs, etc., are arranged or formed. The edge strip 24 or the machining table 9 is placed or fastened on preferably height-adjustable support elements 26 in the machining space 8, wherein the support elements 26 are arranged on at least two opposite side lengths of the machining space 8, as can be seen from Figure 3. As is known from the prior art, for example, the table type 9 or the machining table 9 is manually selected and set by the user in the software or application software, as can be seen, for example, in Figure 4.For this purpose, Figure 4 shows an options window 27 of a software 28, in particular of user software 28 from the applicant, in which, under the menu item “Table options 29,” the table types 9 or processing tables 9 possible for this laser plotter 1 under version 1, for example a ferromagnetic engraving table, vacuum table, vacuum table + honeycomb grid, can be selected by clicking with the mouse. It is possible to enter additional information 30 for the displayed and selectable table types 9. In addition, a schematic table illustration 31 of the selected table type 9 is displayed for this table option 29. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the user can also select a second version 2, under which a different selection of table types 9 is possible, or under which all table types 9 can be selected. By manually setting the table type 9, the user can avoid errors when selecting the table type 9 orProcessing table 9 or the user forgets or ignores setting the processing table 9.

[0057] To avoid this, the invention provides for automatic table recognition of the processing table 9 or table type 9 in the laser machine 1, in particular in the laser plotter 1. The table recognition can be started manually or carried out automatically before each processing process. For this purpose, at least one image 32 of the processing table 9 or table type 9 of the laser plotter 1 is recorded by a camera 23 and sent to table analysis software 33 of a software 28 on the laser plotter 1 or to an externally connected component 15, in particular a laptop 15, whereupon one or more defined evaluation positions 34 of the recorded image 32 of the processing table 9 or table type 9 are evaluated by the table analysis software 33, in which features of the processing table 9 or table type 9 are compared with stored features of the possible processing tables 9 or table types 9.

[0058] It is possible for the table recognition or the table analysis software 33 to take place with the workpiece 7 inserted, as shown schematically in Figure 5, although table recognition without the workpiece 7 inserted is also possible. For this purpose, the image 32 is recorded with the workpiece 7 inserted on the machining table 9. The table analysis software 33, which runs in a separate software window or in the background in the control unit 13 or the external component 15, then defines and queries at least one evaluation position 34. However, if the evaluation position 34 is covered by the workpiece 7, as shown in Figure 5, for example, this is detected due to the recording of the image 32, so that at least one further evaluation position 34 is defined and queried in a different area of ​​the recorded image 32. The features for recognizing the machining table 9 or the table type 9 are then loaded.The features are preferably formed by geometric structures, holes, grids, etc., which are preferably stored in a database so that they can be queried or loaded by the table analysis software 33. Preferably, different images of the features of the different processing tables 9 or table types 9 are also stored and can be queried for the different evaluation points 34 in order to enable the simplest possible comparison of the stored features with the recorded image 32 or image features. In this case, the table analysis software 33 can, for example, enlarge the recorded evaluation positions 34 of the image 32 in order to be able to better analyze the details of the processing table 9 used. It is of course also possible for several different features to be stored for different evaluation positions 34 of the processing table 9 orof the processing tables 9 are stored and can be used by the table analysis software 33. It is advantageous if image recordings of the various processing tables 9 at the various evaluation positions 34 are stored as features, so that the table analysis software 33 can recognize the processing table 9 used or inserted by simple comparison.

[0059] If table recognition has been successfully performed, it is possible that the recognized processing table 9 or table type 9 is compared with the processing table 9 set in the software 28, or the recognized processing table 9 is displayed on the software 28 or on the screen of the external component and / or on the input device 19 of the laser plotter 1, so that the user can accept or reject it, for example by selecting a button. If, for example, a discrepancy occurs between the selected processing table 9 and the recognized processing table 9, the software 28 displays a corresponding message, so that the user must then take appropriate measures, such as accepting or rejecting the recognized processing table 9. Of course, it is also possible that the recognized

[0060] Processing table 9 or table type 9 can be transferred directly into the software 28.

[0061] Furthermore, it is also possible for the table analysis software 33 or the software 28 to carry out additional functions which can be activated in the software 28 or which are carried out automatically. For example, the function “take parameters into account” can be selected or carried out as standard, in which the specific settings or parameters for the machining process are assigned to the machining tables 9 or table types 9. In this case, on the basis of the set parameters, in particular the type of material, the material thickness, machining type (e.g. cutting, engraving, marking, etc.), the table analysis software 33 checks whether the user has used and / or selected a suitable machining table 9 or table type 9, i.e. after the table analysis software 33 has recognised the machining table 9 ortable type 9 is checked to see whether the machining table 9 used is also possible or permissible for the intended machining process with the set parameters. This can also be used as standard. For this purpose, one or more parameters are assigned to the individual machining tables 9 or table types 9 in the software 28, in particular in the table analysis software 33. It is possible for several different machining tables 9 or table types 9 to be assigned to the set parameters, so that if a recognized machining table 9 matches the possible machining tables 9, this recognized machining table 9 is adopted or the user must manually agree to this. It is advantageous when assigning the machining tables 9 or table types 9 to certain settings orParameter that prevents a machining process from being started by selecting a machining table 9 in the software 28 and a corresponding recognized machining table 9, which is however unsuitable due to the set parameters or settings, i.e. that the user has indeed selected and set a machining table 9 in the software 28 and this machining table 9 has also been placed by the user in the machining area 8, in particular onto the support elements 26, but the table analysis software 33 recognizes the selected machining table 9 as unsuitable for the set machining process due to the settings or parameters made, so that a corresponding warning is issued and the machining process is not started. It can therefore be said that set parameters, such as the material selection, the material thickness, etc., different table types 9 orMachining tables 9 are assigned or stored, so that it can also be checked whether the machining table 9 or the table type 9 used is suitable for the set parameters or not. Preferably, a table recognition is performed before each machining process.

[0062] However, it is also possible to start the table detection manually, for which purpose a button is preferably provided in the software 28. Manual table detection is also possible when the lid 21 is open and closed.

[0063] However, it is also possible for the recognized machining table 9 or table type 9, in particular the recorded image 32, to be additionally saved on a storage medium 20, in particular in a cloud 20a. For this purpose, the settings or parameters and criteria under which a job 18 is processed are preferably also saved, in particular in an external component 15 and / or cloud 20a, whereby sources of errors or malfunctions can be subsequently analyzed. For example, it is also possible to check via remote maintenance whether original machining tables 9 or table types 9 are being used. This is particularly important for fault analysis and can also provide essential information for processing guarantee and warranty cases. In general, it is advantageous if images 32 recorded by the camera 23 are stored or saved in a database, preferably with the set parameters.The database is preferably stored on the component 15 and / or another external storage medium 20, in particular the cloud 20a, and is preferably also configured or configured for remote access, e.g., by a remote maintenance team. However, the database can also be stored or arranged internally in the software of the control unit 13.

[0064] Figure 6 shows a further possibility for table recognition, in which one or more evaluation positions 34 are again determined from the recorded image 32. However, the table analysis software 33 no longer compares the characteristics of the table surface or table structure, but instead queries the evaluation position 34 for marking types 35, in particular a marking or 2D code, in particular a data matrix code, or code, in particular a QR code. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a printed or applied "vacuum table" marking and a code, in particular a QR code, are shown in the evaluation position 34, although only one or more marking types can be present. Such marking types are preferably arranged on the edge of the processing table 9 or table type 9. In this case, several marking types 35 can also be applied to one processing table 9.It is also possible for a code, especially a QR code, to be read directly by the table analysis software 33. Here, too, table recognition is possible with or without the workpiece 7 inserted. It is also advantageous if a 2D code, especially a data matrix code, is positioned near the ruler, i.e., in the edge area of ​​the processing table 9.

[0065] Furthermore, the recognition of the processing table 9 or the table type 9 can be performed using deep learning. With deep learning, a neural network is trained with a series of tables or table types 9. The trained network can then be located locally, i.e., on the laser plotter 1 or on the connected component 15, or in the cloud 20a. Deep learning is used to recognize images 32.

[0066] It is also possible to detect whether no machining table 9 or table type 9 has been used, so that machining is prevented, ie by recording the image 32 of the machining area 8, the table analysis software 33 detects that no machining table 9 or table type 9 has been placed on the support elements 26, so that starting a machining process is prevented.

[0067] By detecting the machining table 9 using a captured image 32, it is also possible to detect modifications to the table or machining table 9. If a modification to a machining table 9 is detected, the machining of a workpiece 7 can be prevented or the customer is alerted and must, for example, manually release or start the machining process.

[0068] It is advantageous if the camera 23, which is used for recording the workpiece 7, is also used for capturing the image 32 of the machining table 9 or table type 9, i.e., the detection of the workpiece 7 and the recognition of the machining table 9 or table type 9 is carried out with a camera 23, which is preferably arranged in the cover 17. It can therefore be said that for capturing the position of an inserted workpiece 7 in the machining space 8, in particular on the machining table 9, it is also used for the recognition of the machining table 9 or table type 9, in particular for capturing the image 32 for the machining table 9 or table type 9. In this case, the detection of the

[0069] workpiece and the detection of the machining table or it is carried out sequentially.

[0070] For the sake of clarity, it is pointed out that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but may also include further designs and structures.

Claims

Patent claims: 1 . Method for detecting an interchangeable processing table (9) or table type (9) of a laser plotter (1) for cutting, engraving, marking and / or labeling a workpiece (7), in which in a housing (3) of the laser plotter (I ) at least one radiation source (4) in the form of a laser (5, 6) is used, wherein when the radiation source (4) is activated, a laser beam (10) is deflected by deflecting elements (II) is directed to a focusing unit (12) or laser head (12) and a processing table (9) or processing space (8) is captured by at least one camera (23), which is preferably positioned in the cover (21), characterized in that at least one image (32) of the processing table (9) or the table type (9) of the laser plotter (1) is recorded by the camera (23) and sent to a table analysis software (33) of a software (28) on the laser plotter (1) or to an externally connected component (15), in particular a laptop, whereupon one or more defined evaluation positions of the recorded image (32) of the processing table (9) or table type (9) are evaluated by the table analysis software (33) by comparing features of the processing table (9) or table type (9) with stored features of the possible processing tables (9) or table types (9) or Identification types (35) can be read out.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the features for recognizing the processing table (9) or the table type (9) are formed by geometric structures, holes, grids, etc., which are preferably stored in a database.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that several different features for different evaluation positions (34) of the processing table (9) or the processing tables (9) are stored and used by the table analysis software (33).

4. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recognition of the machining table (9) or table type (9) also takes place or is possible when the workpiece (7) is inserted or placed on top.

5. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the table analysis software (33) is formed by software which is preferably integrated in the software (17, 28) of the control unit (13) and / or in the software (17, 28) of the creation of the job (18) or processing software (17, 28), in particular of the external component (15).

6. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the camera (23) is arranged in the cover (21) of the housing (3) of the laser plotter (1) and can be triggered both in the closed and in the open position of the cover (21).

7. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recognized machining table (9) or table type (9) is compared with the machining table (9) or table type (9) set in the control unit (13) or a software (17, 28) or that the recognized machining table (9) or table type (9) is adopted by the control unit (13) or the software (17, 28).

8. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reference image or image (32) of the processing table (9) or table type (9) is recorded by the camera (23) and stored in a database.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that one or more positions for evaluating the processing table (9) or table type (9) are defined on the reference image or image (32) and a newly recorded image (32) is evaluated at this or these positions.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the recognition of the machining table (9) or table type (9), this is compared with the machining table (9) or table type (9) stored in the software (17, 28). 11 .Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recognition of the machining table (9) or table type (9) is carried out at the start of a job (18) or machining process.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recognized processing table (9) or table type (9), in particular the recorded images (32), are stored on a storage medium (20), in particular in a cloud (20a).

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recognition of the processing table (9) or the table type (9) is carried out by means of deep learning.

14. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for machining the workpiece (7), a laser beam (10) emitted by the radiation source (4) is sent, preferably via deflection elements (11), to at least one focusing unit (12), from which the laser beam (10) is deflected in the direction of the workpiece (7) and focused for machining, wherein the control is carried out via software running in a control unit (13), preferably by processing a so-called job (18), in particular from transferred or loaded data, wherein the workpiece (7) is machined by adjusting a carriage (14) via preferably a belt drive in the XY direction, wherein preferably on an external component (15), in particular a computer or a control unit, a graphic (16) and / or a text (16) is displayed via commercially available or proprietary software (17), such as CorelDraw, Paint, Ruby, etc., which is transmitted or exported to the control unit (13) of the laser plotter (1 ), which converts the transferred data, in particular the graphics (16) and / or the text (16), for controlling the individual elements of the laser machine or the laser plotter (1 ).

15. Laser plotter (1) for engraving, marking and / or inscribing a workpiece (7), which has a processing space (8) for positioning the workpiece (7), at least one, but preferably two, radiation sources (4) in the form of lasers (5, 6) with corresponding deflection elements (11) and a control unit (13) for controlling a carriage (14) operated preferably via a belt drive with a focusing unit (12) or laser head (12) arranged displaceably thereon, wherein a camera (23) is arranged for recording images of the processing space (8), characterized in that for recording an image (32) of an inserted processing table (9) or table type (9), this is defined position, wherein a table analysis software (33) is designed to evaluate the processing table (9) or table type (9) used.

16. Laser plotter (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the table Analysis software (33) is designed to evaluate optical features, in particular geometric structures, holes, grids, etc.

17. Laser plotter (1 ) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the laser plotter (1 ) is designed for the application or execution of a method according to one of the Claims 1 to 13.

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