Surface processing method, device and system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry

Abstract

The present invention relates to a surface processing method, apparatus, and system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry. The surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry comprises: a metal processing device including a robot arm equipped with multiple joints that rotates at various angles, and a unit station equipped with a processing unit, a crafting unit, a post-processing unit, and a dispenser unit that are detachable from the robot arm; and a main server that receives user data input by a user through a user terminal, controls the robot arm, and selectively uses one of the processing unit, the crafting unit, the post-processing unit, and the dispenser unit to process the jewelry. The main server includes an AI design analysis module that analyzes user data received from the user terminal using a natural language processing algorithm to identify production information including the material, gemstone type, setting method, style keyword, and material hardness of the jewelry, and collects similar jewelry design images associated with the style keyword through an external server to derive parameters that correct the band thickness and gemstone size proportions of the jewelry, and has X, Y, and Z coordinates of a 3D coordinate system in the input original image. A 3D modeling module that generates coordinate values ​​of points to produce shape data serving as the operating standard for the robot arm; a metal processing module that mounts the processing unit on the robot arm and operates the processing unit based on the shape data; an active polishing module that scans the jewelry surface, whose shape is realized by the metal processing module, with a camera module equipped on the robot arm to 3D map the surface roughness, generates a virtual linear sliding trajectory, mounts the post-processing unit on the robot arm to move it back and forth along the linear sliding trajectory, and varies the polishing pressure by synchronizing the torque value measured by the torque sensor equipped on the robot arm joint with the scanned roughness data in real time; and when polishing is completed through the active polishing module, the processing unit and the fine work unit are selectively mounted on the robot arm.A micro-pattern engraving module that pulse-controls the laser output of the processing unit in nanosecond (ns) units according to the material hardness data of the jewelry to micro-cut the surface, leaves a physical indentation through the Z-axis micro-transfer of the robot arm using a diamond tip mounted on the end of the polishing unit, forms authentication patterns and aesthetic textures in micrometer units that are invisible to the naked eye, and databases the pattern formation coordinates so that they can be utilized as markers for augmented reality (AR) recognition of smart devices; and an inlay finishing module that captures the depth and width of the micro-pattern formed by the micro-pattern engraving module using the high-resolution vision of the camera module to calculate the internal volume of the depth, precisely controls the discharge amount of quantum dots or nano ink in microliter (μL) units according to the calculated volume through the dispenser unit, and laminates a transparent protective film within the time during which the surface tension of the injected nanomaterial is maintained to eliminate the step difference between the jewelry surface and the nanomaterial, wherein the robot arm recognizes the 3D roughness of the jewelry surface and moves along a virtual sliding trajectory, while applying polishing pressure in real-time according to the frictional force detected by a torque sensor. By adjusting the design, over-glazing of jewelry with complex curved surfaces is prevented without the need for separate high-precision mechanical devices, and overall uniform surface roughness and gloss quality are improved. Additionally, by selectively applying a laser micro-cutting method with minimal thermal deformation and a physical diamond tip indentation method tailored to the hardness characteristics of the jewelry material, an ultra-precision authentication pattern invisible to the naked eye is formed without damaging the material. This allows for the provision of augmented reality (AR)-based security and authenticity verification functions while maintaining the product's unique design aesthetics.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a surface treatment method, apparatus, and system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, product processing through cutting is accompanied by many limitations, and much research is being conducted to overcome these limitations and form products of complex shapes.

[0004] Among these, 3D printers are equipment that can resolve the inefficiency of traditional manufacturing methods, such as subtractive machining, and the problem of manufacturing complex three-dimensional shapes for products with specific shapes.

[0005] Three-dimensional additive manufacturing technology based on such equipment includes various elemental technologies such as modeling, printing, and post-processing for manufacturing three-dimensional shapes of specific materials in powder, liquid, or solid forms.

[0006] Meanwhile, among the product molding methods of 3D printers, there is an additive type in which the object is stacked layer by layer in a 2D planar form to create a 3D shape by melting and bonding.

[0007] These additive 3D printers include fusion additive manufacturing, photolithography, and powder sintering additive manufacturing. Fusion additive manufacturing has the advantage of being able to be manufactured using devices with a relatively simple structure and relatively inexpensive materials, and is used in many 3D printers.

[0008] However, there were problems with poor accessibility, such as the need for users to learn specialized programs or seek expert help to process various objects, including jewelry, using a 3D printer, and difficulties in designing metal processing. Prior art literature

[0010] 1. Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0068156 (June 3, 2022) 2. Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0065183 (May 27, 2022) The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention provides a surface processing method, apparatus, and system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry, which can enhance aesthetics by analyzing the design of jewelry using artificial intelligence, customizing the design by reflecting the user's basic information and preference information, and enabling the processed jewelry to produce a uniform gloss without shape damage. means of solving the problem

[0013] According to the surface processing method, apparatus, and system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry of the present invention, the surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry comprises a metal processing device including a robot arm equipped with multiple joints and rotating at various angles, and a unit station equipped with a processing unit, a crafting unit, a post-processing unit, and a dispenser unit that are detachable from the robot arm, and a main server that receives user data input by a user through a user terminal, controls the robot arm, and selectively uses one of the processing unit, the crafting unit, the post-processing unit, and the dispenser unit to process the jewelry, wherein the main server includes an AI design analysis module that analyzes user data received from the user terminal using a natural language processing algorithm to identify production information including the material of the jewelry, the type of gemstone, the setting method and style keyword, and the material hardness, and collects similar jewelry design images associated with the style keyword through an external server to derive parameters that correct the band thickness and the size proportion of the gemstone of the jewelry, and points having X, Y, and Z coordinates of a 3D coordinate system in the input original image A 3D modeling module that generates coordinate values ​​to produce shape data serving as the operating standard for the robot arm; a metal processing module that mounts the processing unit on the robot arm and operates the processing unit based on the shape data; an active polishing module that scans the jewelry surface, whose shape is realized by the metal processing module, with a camera module equipped on the robot arm to 3D map the surface roughness, generates a virtual linear sliding trajectory, mounts the post-processing unit on the robot arm to move it back and forth along the linear sliding trajectory, and varies the polishing pressure by synchronizing the torque value measured by the torque sensor equipped on the robot arm joint with the scanned roughness data in real time; and when polishing is completed through the active polishing module, the processing unit and the fine work unit are selectively mounted on the robot arm.A micro-pattern engraving module that pulse-controls the laser output of the processing unit in nanosecond (ns) units according to the material hardness data of the jewelry to micro-cut the surface, leaves a physical indentation through the Z-axis micro-transfer of a robot arm using a diamond tip mounted on the end of the crafting unit, and forms an authentication pattern and aesthetic texture in micrometer units that are invisible to the naked eye, while database-ing the pattern formation coordinates so that they can be used as markers for augmented reality (AR) recognition of smart devices; and an inlay finishing module that captures the depth and width of the micro-pattern formed by the micro-pattern engraving module using the high-resolution vision of the camera module to calculate the internal volume of the depth, precisely controls the discharge amount of quantum dots or nano ink in microliter (μL) units according to the calculated volume through the dispenser unit, and laminates a transparent protective film within the time during which the surface tension of the injected nanomaterial is maintained to eliminate the step difference between the jewelry surface and the nanomaterial.

[0014] In addition, the main server comprises: a workpiece carving module that, when jewelry is processed by the metal processing module, controls the robot arm to mount the processing unit on the unit station and mounts the carving unit to precisely cut or carve the jewelry; a post-processing module that controls the robot arm to mount the carving unit on the unit station and mounts the post-processing unit to polish the surface of the jewelry to complete the jewelry; a missing data restoration module that identifies missing regions where data is lost due to scan blind spots in the shape data and restores the missing regions by calculating virtual coordinate values ​​similar to surrounding feature values ​​through a deep learning neural network; an intelligent mesh conversion module that converts the restored shape data into a 3D mesh with a polygon structure from which noise has been removed using a lightweight deep learning model that has learned the connection relationships between vertices; a grid pattern generation module that converts the internal structure of the 3D mesh into a topology-optimized honeycomb or grid form; and a system in which the processing unit sprays metal powder and melts it with a laser to deposit it, while detecting the temperature of the molten pool at the point where the laser is irradiated in real time and the laser It may include a melt monitoring module that forms a uniform bead width by feedback control of the output, a thermal deformation compensation module that analyzes the thermal expansion coefficient of the metal material and the amount of heat accumulation according to the stacking path to predict shrinkage and warping that will occur after processing and deforms the 3D model in the reverse direction in advance, a haptic feedback module that detects the resistance force applied by the crafting unit to the jewelry through a torque sensor equipped in the joint of the robot arm and adjusts the feed speed to prevent tool breakage due to overload, and a tool wear compensation module that measures the degree of wear on the end of the crafting unit with a laser sensor and corrects the error in the cutting depth in real time.

[0015] Additionally, the metal processing device may include a case having an internal receiving portion, a work pad provided in the case having a cooling water transfer tube arranged in a zigzag pattern inside, a first cooling module that cools the work pad or jewelry by spraying compressed air toward the work pad and sliding at least one of which slides toward the work pad around the perimeter of the work pad, and a second cooling module that cools the work pad by supplying cooling water to the cooling water transfer tube.

[0016] Additionally, the first cooling module may include an air pump provided inside the case to generate compressed air, a module case protruding toward the upper side of the case, a first nozzle that receives compressed air from the air pump and discharges compressed air towards the work pad inside the module case, a second nozzle that discharges compressed air toward the opposite side of the work pad, an air injection unit including a valve provided in the first nozzle and the second nozzle and controlled via the main server to selectively open and close the first nozzle and the second nozzle, a main body having a receiving groove formed toward the air injection unit and the inner wall of the receiving groove including a reflector with a predetermined curvature, and an air reflection unit that reflects the direction of the compressed air discharged from the air injection unit toward the work pad from the outside side of the air injection unit, including a camera unit that captures the work pad in real time and measures the temperature from the upper side of the receiving groove.

[0017] Additionally, the second cooling module includes a cooling water pump that supplies cooling water to the cooling water transfer tube, a radiator that cools the cooling water that has undergone heat exchange in the cooling water transfer tube, and a cooling fan that cools the radiator. When the temperature of the work pad measured by the camera unit in the main server is above a preset threshold temperature value, the cooling water pump is operated to supply cooling water to the cooling water transfer tube for heat exchange, and the cooling water that has undergone heat exchange in the cooling water transfer tube is transferred to the radiator to cool the cooling water. Effects of the invention

[0019] The present invention relates to a surface processing method, apparatus, and system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry, and has the following effects.

[0020] First, according to the surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry according to the present invention, the robot arm recognizes the three-dimensional roughness of the jewelry surface and moves along a virtual sliding trajectory, while adjusting the polishing pressure in real time according to the frictional force detected by a torque sensor, thereby preventing over-polishing of jewelry with complex curved surfaces without the need for a separate high-precision mechanism and improving the overall uniform surface roughness and gloss quality.

[0021] Secondly, according to the surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry of the present invention, by selectively applying a laser micro-cutting method with minimal thermal deformation and a physical diamond tip indentation method tailored to the hardness characteristics of the jewelry material, an ultra-precision authentication pattern invisible to the naked eye is formed without damaging the material, thereby providing the effect of granting augmented reality (AR)-based security and authenticity authentication functions while maintaining the unique design aesthetics of the product.

[0022] Thirdly, according to the surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry according to the present invention, by precisely calculating the internal volume of a micro-pattern groove through vision recognition and quantitatively dispensing a nano ink or quantum dot solution in microliter units accordingly, the pattern can be perfectly filled without overflow or shortage of ink, and the surface step difference can be eliminated through a transparent protective film to eliminate foreign matter, while simultaneously significantly improving the durability of the nano material.

[0023] Fourth, according to the surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry according to the present invention, high heat generated during metal processing can be effectively absorbed and released from the bottom of the work pad to minimize thermal deformation and improve processing precision. Additionally, compressed air is sprayed to cool the work pad and jewelry in a direct or indirect reflection manner, thereby eliminating cooling blind spots and enabling uniform three-dimensional cooling regardless of the shape or processing position of the jewelry. Furthermore, by monitoring the temperature of the work pad in real time and activating the cooling circulation when the critical temperature is reached, unnecessary energy consumption is reduced, while preventing equipment damage and changes in material properties caused by overheating, thereby improving quality.

[0024] Fifth, according to the surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry according to the present invention, compressed air is reflected and sprayed toward the work pad and the jewelry, thereby suppressing shaking or flying debris that may occur when air pressure is directly applied to the jewelry, while forming a soft and wide-range cooling airflow to improve cooling efficiency. Additionally, through multi-joint processing using a robot arm, processing and cooling at various angles can be performed simultaneously even in a confined space, thereby maximizing space efficiency and improving the productivity of metal products with complex shapes. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the main server of Figure 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a metal processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the case and unit station of FIG. 3. Figure 5 is a plan view showing the case of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing part of “A-A'” of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of Figure 6. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a second cooling module in the case of FIG. 5. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and thus the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions to the embodiments are included within the scope of the rights.

[0028] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified and implemented in various forms. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed forms, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the technical concept.

[0029] Terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, but these terms should be interpreted solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0030] When it is stated that a component is "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or coupled with that other component, or that there may be other components in between.

[0031] The terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as intended to be limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0033] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the embodiments, such detailed description is omitted.

[0034] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining embodiments of the present invention are exemplary, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the depicted details. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. Where terms such as "includes," "has," or "is made up" are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. Where a component is expressed in the singular, it includes cases where it includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0037] In interpreting the components, they are interpreted to include a margin of error even in the absence of a separate explicit statement.

[0038] In the case of describing a positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described using expressions such as 'on,' 'upper,' 'lower,' or 'next to,' one or more other parts may be located between the two parts unless 'immediately' or 'directly' is used.

[0039] When elements or layers are referred to as "on" another element or layer, this includes cases where another layer or element is placed directly on top of or in between. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0040] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are illustrated for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the size and thickness of the illustrated components.

[0041] The features of each of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined or combined with one another, either partially or wholly, and as will be fully understood by those skilled in the art, various technical interlocking and operation are possible, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or together in an interlocking relationship.

[0042] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment of a surface processing method, apparatus, and system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry according to the present invention will be described.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the main server of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a metal processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the case and unit station of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the case of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing part of “A-A'” of FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a second cooling module in the case of FIG. 5.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, the surface processing method, apparatus, and system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry according to the present invention are described as follows: the surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry includes a metal processing device (30) comprising a robot arm (40) that is equipped with multiple joints and rotates at various angles, and a unit station (50) equipped with a processing unit (51), a carving unit (52), a post-processing unit (53), and a dispenser unit (54) (hereinafter referred to as 'tool') that is attached to and detached from the robot arm (40); and a main server (20) that receives user data input by a user through a user terminal (10), controls the robot arm (40), and selectively uses one of the processing unit (51), the carving unit (52), and the post-processing unit (53) to process jewelry.

[0045] The user terminal (10) will be understood as a broad concept encompassing all types of information communication devices equipped with memory and a microprocessor capable of connecting to a main server via a wired or wireless communication network to transmit and receive data, processing data input by a user, and outputting the results.

[0046] For example, the user terminal (10) should be interpreted as a device including all devices equipped with communication functions such as a tablet PC, smartphone, notebook, desktop computer, Palm PC, PDA, and workstation, as well as mobile communication services such as PCS, GSM, PDC, PHS, PDA, IMT-2000, CDMA-2000, W-CDMA, and Wibro, and 5G and 6G next-generation communication terminals, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] The main server (20) includes an AI design analysis module (201), a 3D modeling module (202), a metal processing module (203), a workpiece processing module (204), a post-processing module (205), a missing data restoration module (206), an intelligent mesh conversion module (207), a grid pattern generation module (208), a melting monitoring module (209), a thermal deformation compensation module (210), a haptic feedback module (211), a tool wear compensation module (212), a first cooling drive module (213), and a second cooling drive module (214).

[0048] The AI ​​design analysis module (201) can identify production information including the material, type of gemstone, setting method, and style keywords of the jewelry by analyzing user data provided from the user terminal (10) using a natural language processing algorithm.

[0049] The AI ​​design analysis module (201) can collect similar jewelry design images associated with style keywords through an external server and extract trend style information through an artificial intelligence image processing algorithm.

[0050] The AI ​​design analysis module (201) can analyze the user's SNS activity records or stored image data to identify the user's age group and preferred style context, and then derive parameters to correct the band thickness and gemstone size proportions of the jewelry based on the identified age group information.

[0051] The AI ​​design analysis module (201) performs a deep neural network-based image processing algorithm to extract meaningful design information from collected unstructured image data, and first applies a semantic segmentation algorithm that classifies the jewelry object area and background in pixel units from the input original image to obtain a region of interest (ROI) mask image with background noise removed.

[0052] For example, the AI ​​design analysis module (201) generates a low-dimensional feature map containing the overall shape, texture, and color distribution of the jewelry through a multi-layer structured convolutional neural network (CNN) model of the preprocessed image data, and converts it back into a high-dimensional feature vector for embedding.

[0053] At this time, the AI ​​design analysis module (201) can precisely identify data with a similar structural style rather than images with a similar appearance by extracting features through an attention mechanism by giving high weight to detailed attribute areas such as the cutting shape of the jewelry that is the core of the design within the image, the arrangement structure of the prongs, and the radius of curvature of the band.

[0054] Additionally, the AI ​​design analysis module (201) maps the extracted feature vectors onto a vector space and performs an unsupervised learning-based clustering algorithm (e.g., K-means or DBSCAN) to form design groups with similar style attributes. It then analyzes the creation time of image data belonging to each design group and the reaction data (likes, shares) on social media in a time series. If the data density of a specific design group increases rapidly within a recent period, the feature vector of that group is determined to be a rising trend. The representative feature vector of the identified trend group is inversely calculated to obtain numerical specifications required for jewelry production, namely the average band thickness, the ratio of the gemstone to the metal part, and the tension value of the preferred curve. By parameterizing these, design optimization and trend style information reflecting the latest trendy styles preferred by the user can be extracted. At this time, the AI ​​design analysis module (201) analyzes user data input by the user using a natural language processing algorithm to identify production information, extracts features from collected similar jewelry design images through semantic segmentation and a convolutional neural network (CNN) and an attention mechanism, and the generation of image data By analyzing time-series data on the time point and reaction levels (number of likes, shares) on social media to determine an upward trend, and deriving parameters to correct the band thickness and gemstone size proportions of jewelry based on age group information identified from user social media activity records or stored image data, manufacturing information, trend style information, and numerical specifications can be calculated by performing respective processing according to the type of input data.

[0055] The 3D modeling module (202) classifies the jewelry object area and background in the input original image in pixel units to obtain a region of interest mask image with background noise removed, generates a feature map including the overall shape, texture, and color distribution of the jewelry through a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, extracts features by assigning weights to detailed attribute areas including the cutting shape of the jewelry, the arrangement structure of prongs, and the radius of curvature of the band, and generates coordinate values ​​of points having X, Y, and Z coordinates of a 3D coordinate system based on the extracted feature values ​​to produce shape data that serves as the operation standard for the robot arm (40). The input data of the 3D modeling module (202) is a region of interest mask image with background noise removed from the input original image, and the convolutional neural network (CNN) model extracts features from the region of interest mask image, and generates coordinate values ​​of points having X, Y, and Z coordinates of a 3D coordinate system based on the extracted feature values ​​to output shape data that serves as the operation standard for the robot arm (40). Meanwhile, unlike the AI ​​design analysis module (201) which clusters and analyzes the extracted feature vectors in a time series to calculate numerical specifications, the 3D modeling module (202) can generate coordinate values ​​of points having X, Y, and Z coordinates based on the extracted feature values ​​to calculate shape data.

[0056] The metal processing module (203) can operate the processing unit (51) based on shape data by mounting the processing unit (51) on the robot arm (40). The metal processing module (203) can correct the position of the robot arm (40) on the work pad (32) in real time according to the coordinate system. The metal processing module (203) can proceed according to a real-time path correction based on a laser displacement sensor (402) equipped on the robot arm (40), and a preset coordinate control algorithm that compensates for errors due to thermal deformation.

[0057] For example, the metal processing module (203) can precisely set the initial processing origin by calculating a homogeneous transformation matrix to convert 2D image coordinates into 3D spatial coordinates recognized by the robot arm (40) based on information obtained from an image captured through a camera module (401) equipped in the robot arm (40), using at least three reference points such as a cross-shaped reference marker at the center of the work pad (32) and each corner, and aligning the base coordinate system of the robot arm (40) with the work coordinate system of the work pad (32) through calibration.

[0058] Additionally, the metal processing module (203) measures the vertical distance between the actual jewelry curved surface and the processing unit (51), the crafting unit (52), the post-processing unit (53), and the dispenser unit (54) in real time at a period of less than 1 ms when the robot arm (40) moves along the 3D modeling data of the jewelry through a non-contact laser displacement sensor (402) equipped on the robot arm (40), and if the measured actual distance value differs from a preset reference distance value, the robot arm (40) is rotated in multiple axes by the deviation amount to correct the posture of the robot arm (40) in real time, thereby allowing the laser's focal depth or cutting depth to be maintained constant even in the complex curved shape of the jewelry.

[0059] In addition, the metal processing module (203) receives temperature data from a temperature sensor (403) attached to a major joint of the robot arm (40) to compensate for mechanical thermal expansion caused by heat generation of the robot arm (40) joint motor and laser reflection heat generated during long-term processing, and predicts the amount of change in length of the robot arm link and the amount of twisting of the joint according to the temperature change based on pre-learned thermal deformation modeling data, and then applies thermal deformation compensation by moving the processing path coordinates in reverse by the amount of deformation, thereby securing ultra-precision processing quality in the micrometer (μm) range.

[0060] When the workpiece processing module (204) processes jewelry after the shape data is finished, it controls the robot arm (40) to mount the processing unit (51) on the unit station (50) and mounts the processing unit (52) to precisely cut or carve the jewelry.

[0061] The workpiece processing module (204) can operate the robot arm (40) according to the coordinate values ​​measured in the metal processing module (203).

[0062] For example, the workpiece processing module (204) can operate the robot arm (40) to remove and place a processing unit (51) in a processing unit groove where a preset processing unit (51) is seated, and connect a processing unit (52) for performing fine cutting and carving processes. Here, the robot arm and each unit can be connected to each other by magnetism or hook-catching, etc.

[0063] The workpiece processing module (204) precisely measures the end position of the processing unit (52) using a reference marker or a laser displacement sensor on the work pad (32) to reset the tool center point coordinates of the robot arm end that have changed due to the tool being replaced, and thereby updates the control coordinate system of the robot arm to correct minute errors in tool length or mounting angle in advance.

[0064] Afterward, when the crafting process begins, the workpiece crafting module (204) optimizes the processing path by performing vision calibration to recognize the outline of the jewelry in the image data collected through the camera module (401) and match it with a reference marker, in order to match the actual surface coordinates of the jewelry, which may have been slightly deformed due to thermal shrinkage or solidification during the first processing process, by referring to the coordinate values ​​and shape data obtained from the metal processing module (203).

[0065] Additionally, the workpiece processing module (204) can detect the repulsive force and micro-vibration generated when a rotating cutting tool contacts the jewelry surface and applies physical force in real time through the torque sensor (403) of the robot arm joint and provide it to the haptic feedback module (211).

[0066] In addition, by monitoring tool friction heat and driving heat of the robot arm joints generated by prolonged cutting operations using temperature sensors, calculating the mechanical elongation of the robot arm and the change in tool length due to thermal expansion in real time, and dynamically compensating the Z-axis machining depth coordinate by the amount of deformation, it is possible to improve uniform carving depth and surface quality from the starting point to the ending point of machining.

[0067] The post-processing module (205) can control the robot arm (40) to place the crafting unit (52) on the unit station (50) and attach the post-processing unit (53) to polish the surface of the jewelry to complete it.

[0068] The missing data restoration module (206) can identify missing areas in the shape data where data is lost due to scan blind spots, and restore the missing areas by calculating virtual coordinate values ​​similar to surrounding feature values ​​through a deep learning neural network (based on DNN or CNN). The input data of the missing data restoration module (206) is shape data containing missing areas where data is lost due to scan blind spots, and the deep learning neural network (based on DNN or CNN) takes surrounding feature values ​​of the missing areas as input and outputs virtual coordinate values ​​similar to them, and shape data with restored missing areas can be produced by the output.

[0069] The intelligent mesh conversion module (207) can convert the restored shape data into a 3D mesh with a polygonal structure that has noise removed by using a lightweight deep learning model that learns the connection relationships between vertices. The input data of the intelligent mesh conversion module (207) is the vertices of the restored shape data, and the lightweight deep learning model learns the connection relationships between vertices and converts the vertices into a 3D mesh with a polygonal structure that has noise removed, and the output can be a 3D mesh with a polygonal structure that has noise removed.

[0070] The grid pattern generation module (208) can convert the internal structure of the 3D mesh into a topologically optimized honeycomb or grid shape.

[0071] The grid pattern generation module (208) can perform topology optimization by variably adjusting the internal density by artificial intelligence distinguishing between areas requiring structural strength and areas not receiving load, instead of using a solid method that completely fills the inside of the jewelry to solve the problem of high cost of metal materials and maximize the lightness when worn. By analyzing the flow of force that the topology jewelry must withstand according to this topology optimization, the material is connected thickly in areas receiving a lot of force to create a strong framework, and unnecessary parts not receiving force are boldly emptied and holes are made, thereby rearranging the position of the material itself to optimize the internal structure to be the lightest yet strongest.

[0072] Additionally, the grid pattern generation module (208) may be provided with a gyroid or diamond grid structure based on a triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS).

[0073] Here, the triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) generated by the grid pattern generation module (208) refers to a mathematical surface that has a constant period in the X, Y, and Z directions of three-dimensional space and expands infinitely, while having a mean curvature of '0' at every point. This is a shape that has the most stable energy structurally, having the property of minimizing the surface area within a given boundary, such as a soap bubble film. When this TPMS structure fills the interior of a 3D model, there are no discontinuous joints such as corners or vertices where surfaces meet, and all surfaces are continuously connected as smooth curved surfaces. Therefore, even if external impact or twisting occurs when wearing jewelry, the stress is not concentrated at a specific point but is uniformly distributed throughout the structure, thereby improving durability even with a thin thickness.

[0074] In addition, the gyroid grid applied in the grid pattern generation module (208) is a structure based on a wave equation composed of a combination of sine and cosine functions, and forms an open cell structure in which spiral channels are complexly intertwined in three dimensions without a central intersection point while ensuring air permeability. When metal additive processing is performed using a robot arm (40), the angle of the laminated cross-section where the laser is irradiated maintains a self-supporting angle of at least a predetermined angle, such as 45°, relative to the vertical direction, so there is no need to create a separate support to support it, thereby reducing material consumption and shortening post-processing time.

[0075] In addition, the internal empty spaces of the gyroid grid are connected without obstruction, allowing for smooth flow of cleaning solution or abrasives, which has the advantage of enabling uniform surface treatment deep inside when removing residual metal powder from the jewelry or performing electrolytic polishing.

[0076] In addition, the diamond lattice structure is a curved surface that is topologically similar to the diamond crystal structure in which carbon atoms are bonded, and compared to the gyroid structure, a relatively thick strut is formed like a skeleton, which has the effect of having excellent load-bearing capacity.

[0077] Accordingly, the grid pattern generation module (208) can variably generate an optimized TPMS structure according to the required physical properties of each part, such as applying a diamond grid pattern to parts requiring high rigidity, like the lower part of the ring band or the support part of the gemstone seat where the gemstone is set, to prevent deformation, and applying a gyroid grid pattern to parts requiring volume, like the decorative part of the pendant, to maximize weight reduction, thereby reducing the weight of the expensive precious metal while improving the structural safety of the jewelry.

[0078] When the TPMS structure is formed by the grid pattern generation module (208), all sides are connected as curved surfaces, so self-supporting stacking without collapse is possible without a separate support when stacking using the robot arm (40), and the stress is uniformly distributed in all directions, so that high durability is improved even with a thin thickness.

[0079] In addition, the visible surface of the jewelry is treated with 100% density, while the internal invisible area is converted into a porous structure with 20-30% density, and the interface between the two areas is gradually changed in a gradation form to prevent delamination.

[0080] The melt monitoring module (209) can form a uniform bead width by feedback-controlling the laser output while the processing unit sprays metal powder and melts and stacks it with a laser, by detecting the temperature of the melt pool at the point where the laser is irradiated in real time.

[0081] For example, the melting monitoring module (209) monitors the problem that may occur when melting precious metal materials with very high reflectivity, such as gold, silver, and platinum, with a laser using coaxial optical monitoring that shares the same axis as the path of the laser beam inside the processing unit (51), splits the light emitted from the melting pool into a beam splitter, and simultaneously collects data using a high-speed vision camera that captures the visible light band and a photodiode or two-color pyrometer that detects the infrared band.

[0082] This melt monitoring module (209) analyzes the width, length, and absolute temperature of the melt pool using a deep learning model based on collected data in 0.5 ms. If signs of the melt pool becoming excessive are detected in a section where heat accumulates rapidly, such as the pointed prongs of the jewelry, the laser output is immediately lowered or the transfer speed of the robot arm is increased, thereby preventing shape distortion or the occurrence of pores through real-time feedback.

[0083] In addition, the thermal deformation compensation module (210) can analyze the thermal expansion coefficient of the metal material and the amount of heat accumulated according to the stacking path to predict shrinkage and warping that will occur after processing and deform the 3D model in the reverse direction in advance.

[0084] The thermal deformation compensation module (210) can analyze the deformation state caused by heat in advance by using an analysis method that predicts deformation based on the inherent properties of metal material shrinking when it hardens during a simulation stage before processing begins, in order to prevent shrinkage and warping that occur when small and delicate parts, such as jewelry, are rapidly cooled after metal lamination.

[0085] The thermal deformation compensation module (210) divides the 3D model into tens of thousands of micro-dimensional pieces and predicts the amount of heat accumulated in each micro-dimensional piece and the corresponding shrinkage vector according to the stacking path sequence of the robot arm (40).

[0086] When the predicted shrinkage data is derived, the thermal deformation compensation module (210) generates an inverse compensation model that inflates or bends the processed 3D model in the opposite direction to the expected shrinkage direction.

[0087] For example, if it is predicted that the circular band of a ring will shrink into an elliptical shape after cooling, machining data is generated in advance as an elliptical shape stretched along the opposite axis. By inducing the shape to become a perfect circle intended by the designer at the final stage when machining and cooling are completed, the dimensional correction process required during post-processing is minimized.

[0088] The haptic feedback module (211) can detect the resistance applied by the crafting unit (43) to the jewelry through the torque sensor (403) and adjust the transfer speed to prevent damage to the unit and jewelry due to overload.

[0089] If the load generated during processing or machining exceeds a preset threshold or if a tendency is detected for the tool position to deviate from a preset path due to vibration, the feed speed of the robot arm (40) can be adjusted, i.e., decelerated, or the rotational speed (RPM) of the tool can be adjusted, and at the same time, the coordinates can be corrected in real time in the reverse direction by the amount of the expected position deviation.

[0090] For example, the haptic feedback module (211) controls the strength of the robot arm to be elastically adjusted like a spring according to the contact force between the robot arm (40) and the jewelry during the cutting and polishing process using the crafting unit (52), thereby providing flexibility similar to human hand skills. This prevents dents on the processing surface or damage to the tool that may occur when the robot arm is fixed too rigidly, and allows for maintaining constant pressure even if the height of the surface changes slightly.

[0091] In addition, the haptic feedback module (211) detects the contact force between the crafting tool and the jewelry surface in real time using a multi-axis force / torque sensor (F / T Sensor) mounted on the joint of the robot arm (40), and lowers the joint stiffness of the robot in areas where the curved surface changes abruptly so that the tool can slide smoothly over the surface, and increases the stiffness in flat areas to improve the processing speed.

[0092] Additionally, the haptic feedback module (211) can analyze the waveform of the minute vibrations that occur when the tool rotates to predict the degree of roughness of how smoothly the surface of the jewelry is polished.

[0093] If a rough vibration pattern is detected, it is determined that the polishing is insufficient, and the corresponding section is automatically processed repeatedly. By controlling the process to terminate when the vibration stabilizes into a smooth, normal waveform, uniform mirror polishing quality can be secured without visual inspection, and through this correction, damage to the jewelry surface can be prevented and the precision of the craftsmanship can be improved.

[0094] The tool wear compensation module (212) measures the degree of wear of the ends of the machining unit (52) and the post-processing unit (53) using a laser displacement sensor (402) and provides it in real time to the workpiece machining module (204) and the post-processing module (205) according to the error in the cutting depth, thereby allowing the positions of the machining unit (52) and the post-processing unit (53) to be compensated through the workpiece machining module (204) and the post-processing module (205).

[0095] The active polishing module (215) scans the jewelry surface, which has been shaped by the metal processing module (203), with a camera module (401) equipped on the robot arm (40) to map the surface roughness in three dimensions, and then generates a virtual linear sliding trajectory and moves the post-processing unit (53) mounted on the robot arm (40) along the linear sliding trajectory, while varying the polishing pressure by synchronizing the torque value measured by the torque sensor equipped on the robot arm joint with the scanned roughness data in real time.

[0096] When polishing is completed through the active polishing module (215), the micro pattern engraving module (216) selectively mounts the processing unit and the crafting unit to the robot arm, pulses the laser output of the processing unit in nanosecond (ns) units according to the material hardness data of the jewelry to micro-cut the surface, and leaves a physical indentation through micro-transfer of the robot arm along the Z-axis using a diamond tip mounted on the end of the crafting unit, thereby forming an authentication pattern and aesthetic texture in micrometer units that are invisible to the naked eye, and can store the pattern formation coordinates in a database so that they can be used as markers for augmented reality (AR) recognition of smart devices.

[0097] The inlay finishing module (217) can take a high-resolution vision of the camera module to capture the depth and width of the micro pattern formed by the micro pattern imprinting module (216) to calculate the internal volume of the depth, and then precisely control and inject the amount of quantum dots or nano ink dispensed through the dispenser unit in microliters (μL) to match the calculated volume, and then laminate a transparent protective film within the time during which the surface tension of the injected nano material is maintained to eliminate the step difference between the jewelry surface and the nano material.

[0098] According to the surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry according to the present invention, data collected from a user terminal is analyzed using an artificial intelligence algorithm to derive the latest trend style information and user preference context, thereby precisely reflecting individual tastes and the latest trends. This allows for the rapid and efficient provision of unique, customized designs without relying on expert intuition. Furthermore, by utilizing a multi-joint robotic arm to freely track the complex curved shape of the jewelry and layer metal, and by feedback-controlling laser output and feed speed through deep learning analysis, shape distortion or porosity can be prevented even in microscopic areas where heat accumulates rapidly, such as prongs. This enables the provision of consistent quality through uniform and precise processing, thereby enhancing reliability. Additionally, by simulating the inherent thermal shrinkage properties of the metal material and the amount of heat accumulation along the layering path at the level of micro-three-dimensional pieces to predict deformation occurring after processing, and by applying reverse engineering modeling to pre-correct the 3D model in the opposite direction of shrinkage, the precise dimensions and shape intended by the designer are maintained even after rapid cooling, minimizing dimensional correction processes during post-processing. Finally, during the crafting and post-processing processes, a haptic feedback module is used to [connect] the tool and the jewelry By analyzing the resistance and micro-vibration waveforms in real time and applying impedance control, the joint stiffness of the robot arm is elastically adjusted like a spring, enabling precise processing without damaging the jewelry surface or breaking tools. Furthermore, it has the effect of improving quality by enhancing product finish through uniform polishing without the need for visual inspection.

[0099] In addition, according to the surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry according to the present invention, a robot arm recognizes the three-dimensional roughness of the jewelry surface and moves along a virtual sliding trajectory, while adjusting the polishing pressure in real time according to the frictional force detected by a torque sensor, thereby preventing over-polishing of jewelry with complex curved surfaces without a separate high-precision mechanism and improving the overall uniform surface roughness and gloss quality. Furthermore, by selectively applying a laser micro-cutting method with minimal thermal deformation and a physical diamond tip indentation method tailored to the hardness characteristics of the jewelry material, an ultra-precision authentication pattern invisible to the naked eye is formed without damaging the material, thereby maintaining the unique design aesthetics of the product while providing augmented reality (AR)-based security and authenticity authentication functions. Additionally, by precisely calculating the internal volume of the micro-pattern groove through vision recognition and quantitatively dispensing nano ink or quantum dot solution in microliter units accordingly, the pattern is perfectly filled without overflow or shortage of ink, and the surface step difference is eliminated through a transparent protective film to eliminate foreign matter, while simultaneously dramatically improving the durability of the nano material.

[0100] Meanwhile, the metal processing device (30) includes a case (31), a work pad (32), a robot arm (40), a unit station (50), a first cooling module (60), and a second cooling module (70).

[0101] The case (31) has a receiving portion (311) formed inside and includes a work pad (32) on the outside side corresponding to the robot arm (40), and may include a first cooling module (60) and a second cooling module (70) centered on the work pad (32).

[0102] The case (31) may include a first fixing groove (not shown in the drawing) where a work pad (32) is installed, a slit groove (312) around the first fixing groove where an air injection part (61, 62, 63) of the first cooling module (60) described later can slide, and a second fixing groove (not shown in the drawing) on ​​the outer side of the slit groove (312) where an air reflection part (66) of the first cooling module (60) is provided.

[0103] The work pad (32) may include a cooling water transfer tube (321) arranged in a zigzag pattern inside the case (31). The work pad (32) is provided with a cross-shaped reference marker on the outer side, i.e., the upper side, of the receiving portion (311) so that it can serve as a reference point when setting the position of the robot arm (40) and jewelry can be processed.

[0104] The robot arm (40) is equipped with multiple joints and can rotate at various angles. The robot arm (40) may have a processing unit (51), a carving unit (52), and a post-processing unit (53), which will be described later, connected to the end of a body (41) in which several arms are connected to rotate at various angles. The robot arm (40) receives power from an external source and is powered by a drive motor (not shown) that drives each rotation axis, and can be controlled by a metal processing module (203), a workpiece carving module (204), and a post-processing module (205).

[0105] Additionally, the robot arm (40) may include a camera module (401), a laser displacement sensor (402), a temperature sensor and a torque sensor (403) attached to the main joint.

[0106] For example, the drive motor may be provided at the front end of the main body (41) to which each joint and tool are connected, with a rotary motor at each joint and a linear motor at the front end to move the tool parallel to the case (31).

[0107] The unit station (50) may be equipped with a processing unit (51), a carving unit (52), a post-processing unit (53), and a dispenser unit (54) that are attached to and detached from the robot arm (40). The unit station (50) has several chambers formed therein, each of which is seated with the processing unit (51), the carving unit (52), the post-processing unit (53), and the dispenser unit (54). With each unit seated, the robot arm (40) is operated in the opposite direction of the unit station so that the unit is caught on a catch provided in the unit station (50) and can be removed from the robot arm (40).

[0108] Unlike the conventional 3-axis based powder bed (PBF) method, which allows only vertical stacking through the robot arm (40), the processing unit (51) can be equipped with a micro DED nozzle (Directed Energy Deposition) on a robot arm having multiple degrees of freedom. This enables continuous stacking without a separate support structure by diversifying the approach angle of the nozzle through the tilting and rotation movements of the robot arm (40) for the inner curve of the ring or the fine undercut area between the prongs supporting the gemstone that occurs due to the shape characteristics of the jewelry. This fundamentally prevents surface damage that occurs during the support removal process and has the effect of improving the processing precision of designs with high geometric complexity.

[0109] The crafting unit (52) can perform fine cutting and carving processes. The crafting unit (52) is firmly connected to the end side of the robot arm (40) via a magnetic or hook-catch method, but can be selectively detached from the unit station (50) to perform fine cutting and carving processes. When mounted on the robot arm (40), the end position is precisely measured through a reference marker or laser displacement sensor (402) on the work pad (32), and the control coordinate system of the robot arm (40) is updated with the fine error of the length of the crafting equipment or the mounting angle equipped in the crafting unit (52) corrected in advance, thereby ensuring precision.

[0110] Meanwhile, the tool mounted on the crafting unit (52) and driven by rotation has a shank structure that can be selectively replaced depending on the design shape and processing purpose of the jewelry, and may include an end mill, a diamond bur, a drill, and a graver.

[0111] First, the end mill can be a flat end mill for cutting the overall contour of the jewelry or smoothing the flat surface, and a ball nose end mill for precisely realizing the three-dimensional shape of rings or pendants with many curved surfaces. It is equipped with a tungsten carbide material capable of ultra-precision machining in micrometer units, which can improve wear resistance even with high-speed rotation of the robot arm.

[0112] In addition, diamond burs are tools with electrodeposited diamond powder, and round burs are used to roundly carve out the gem placement area where the gem will be placed, while tapered burs or point burs with pointed ends are used to create fine gaps or textures, thereby imparting various textures to the surface of the jewelry.

[0113] In addition, a V-cutter or graver for engraving initials or patterns on the surface of jewelry has a tip formed at a sharp angle, and can form an intaglio or relief pattern of a certain depth through precise path control of a robot arm.

[0114] Additionally, the crafting unit (52) is controlled by the impedance control algorithm of the haptic feedback module (211) to adjust the joint stiffness of the robot according to changes in the curved surface of the jewelry, thereby performing precision crafting by smoothly moving over the surface with flexibility similar to human hand skills, while the torque sensor (403) detects the repulsive force and micro-vibration generated when the rotating cutting tool contacts the surface of the jewelry in real time, and if the load exceeds a threshold, the feed speed or rotation speed is adjusted to prevent damage to the unit and the jewelry.

[0115] The post-processing unit (53) is mounted on the robot arm (40) to polish the surface of the finished jewelry to complete the jewelry, and is linked with the haptic feedback module (211) through the post-processing module (205). By repeatedly processing the section when the vibration pattern appears rough and ending the processing when the vibration stabilizes into a smooth normal waveform, it has the effect of providing uniform polishing quality without separate visual inspection.

[0116] Meanwhile, the post-processing unit (53) can remove surface scratches from the primary processed jewelry to produce a polish. To this end, the post-processing unit (53) may be equipped with a sanding disc or ceramic abrasive stone that can sequentially switch between coarse and fine particle sizes to remove scratches.

[0117] In particular, the post-processing unit (53) may be equipped with a radial bristle disc containing abrasive particles in flexible bristles to remove oxide film from complex gaps or undercut areas that occur during 3D metal lamination or processing. This has the effect of smoothing the surface without damaging the shape of curved areas, as the bristles spread out due to centrifugal force when rotated.

[0118] Additionally, the post-processing unit (53) may be any one of a soft cotton buff, a felt wheel, or a chamois wheel for the final mirror finishing.

[0119] At this time, the robot arm (40) automatically applies a solid or liquid polishing compound to the tip of the tool to increase polishing efficiency, or uses a silicon polisher in which the tool itself contains a polishing component to produce the metal's natural shine.

[0120] In addition, the post-processing unit (53) can perform finishing work to reinforce the durability of the jewelry by having a burnisher made of carbide or agate material equipped at the end of the post-processing unit to increase surface hardness and polish by pressing and compacting the metal surface without cutting it.

[0121] In addition, the machining unit (52) and the post-processing unit (53) can maintain uniform carving depth and surface quality from the starting point to the ending point by dynamically correcting the position coordinates by the error in the cutting depth through the laser displacement sensor (402) in real time via the tool wear compensation module (212) to measure the degree of wear at the end point.

[0122] The dispenser unit (54) is provided in the unit station (50) and can be attached to and detached from the robot arm (40). The dispenser unit (54) can precisely inject a functional liquid material into a micro-scale fine pattern formed on the jewelry surface by the metal processing module (203) or the workpiece processing module (204).

[0123] The dispenser unit (54) may include a micro nozzle that receives liquid from a syringe-shaped reservoir in which at least one of a quantum dot solution, nano color ink, or UV-curable transparent coating solution is stored, and dispenses the liquid in picoliters (pL) to microliters (μL).

[0124] The dispenser unit (54) is controlled by the inlay finishing module (217), but rather than simply applying liquid, it can be operated according to a value calculated in real time by the inlay finishing module (217) to fill the corresponding volume based on the three-dimensional internal volume data of the micro-pattern groove scanned by the camera module (401) of the robot arm (40) and the limit discharge amount that does not overflow due to surface tension.

[0125] For example, the dispenser unit (54) performs an inlay finishing process to form a smooth flat surface by first dispensing a quantitative amount of quantum dot solution into a groove corresponding to a unique certification mark or aesthetic pattern of the jewelry to impart color or fluorescent function, and then, after a certain period of time or after curing through a UV lamp (not shown), secondarily dispensing a transparent protective coating solution onto the top to eliminate the step difference between the jewelry surface and the nano insert.

[0126] In addition, the dispenser unit (54) can precisely control the discharge pressure using pneumatic or piezo methods to maintain a uniform discharge amount even when using inks or resins of different viscosities, and can enable continuous, uninterrupted application in conjunction with the high-speed movement of the robot arm (40).

[0127] At least one first cooling module (60) slides toward the work pad (32) around the work pad (32) and can cool the work pad (32) or jewelry by spraying compressed air toward the work pad (32).

[0128] The first cooling module (60) is provided inside the case (31) and includes an air injection section (61, 62, 63) and an air reflection section (66) to generate compressed air and supply it to the air injection section (61, 62, 63) to discharge the compressed air to the work pad (32) or to the air reflection section (66) to cool the work pad (32) and the jewelry (R).

[0129] The air injection unit (61, 62, 63) includes a first air injection port (61), a second air injection port (62), a third air injection port (63), a valve (64), and an air pump (65), and each air injection port is provided with the same configuration as the others, so the second air injection port (62) is described as an example here.

[0130] The second air injection port (62) includes a module case (not shown in the drawing), a first nozzle (621), a second nozzle (622), and a valve (64), and by opening and closing the valve (64), compressed air can be discharged to the work pad (32) through the first nozzle (621) or to the air reflection part (66) through the second nozzle (622).

[0131] The module case may protrude upward from the case (31) to slide along the slit groove (312). The module case may be equipped with a first nozzle (621) and a second nozzle (622) to discharge compressed air in opposite directions inside.

[0132] The first nozzle (621) can receive compressed air from the air pump (65) and discharge compressed air towards the work pad inside the module case. The second nozzle (622) can discharge compressed air toward the opposite side of the work pad (32). The first nozzle (621) and the second nozzle (622) receive compressed air from a single nozzle of the air pump (65), but are branched and each may be equipped with a valve (64).

[0133] The valve (64) is a check valve and is provided to be controlled by the main server (20), that is, the first cooling drive module (213), for the first nozzle (621) and the second nozzle (622), respectively, so as to be able to selectively open and close the first nozzle (621) and the second nozzle (622).

[0134] The air reflection unit (66) includes a main body (661), a receiving groove (662), a reflector (663), and a camera unit (664) and can reflect the direction of compressed air discharged from the air injection unit (61, 62, 63) to the work pad (32) from the outside of the air injection unit.

[0135] The main body (661) has a receiving groove (662) formed on the side of the air injection part (61, 62, 63), and the inner wall of the receiving groove (662) may include a reflector (663) with a predetermined curvature.

[0136] The camera unit (664) can photograph the work pad (32) in real time and measure the temperature from the upper side of the receiving groove. Here, the camera unit (664) may be a thermal imaging camera, and the collected image information may be provided to the main server (20), i.e., the second cooling drive module (214).

[0137] The second cooling module (70) includes a cooling water pump (71) that supplies cooling water to a cooling water transfer tube (321), a radiator (72) that cools the cooling water that has been heat-exchanged in the cooling water transfer tube (321), and a cooling fan (73) that cools the radiator (72), so that cooling water can be supplied to the cooling water transfer tube (321) to cool the work pad (32).

[0138] According to the second cooling module (70) in accordance with this, the second cooling drive module (214) can operate the cooling water pump (71) when the temperature of the work pad (32) measured through the camera unit (664) is above a preset threshold temperature value to supply cooling water to the cooling water transfer tube (321) to exchange heat with the work pad (32), and transfer the cooling water that has exchanged heat in the cooling water transfer tube (321) to the radiator (72) to cool the cooling water.

[0139] The surface processing method, apparatus, and system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry according to the present invention can effectively absorb and release high heat generated during metal processing from the bottom of the work pad to minimize thermal deformation and improve processing precision. It can also eliminate cooling blind spots by spraying compressed air to cool the work pad and jewelry in a direct or indirect reflection manner, enabling uniform three-dimensional cooling regardless of the shape or processing position of the jewelry. Furthermore, it has the effect of improving quality by reducing unnecessary energy consumption and preventing equipment damage and changes in material properties caused by overheating by monitoring the temperature of the work pad in real time and activating the cooling circulation when the critical temperature is reached.

[0140] In addition, according to the present invention, compressed air is reflected and sprayed toward the work pad and the jewelry, thereby suppressing shaking or flying debris that may occur when air pressure is directly applied to the jewelry, while forming a soft and wide-range cooling airflow to improve cooling efficiency. Furthermore, through multi-joint processing using a robot arm, processing and cooling at various angles can be performed simultaneously even in a confined space, thereby maximizing space efficiency and improving the productivity of metal products with complex shapes.

[0141] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and may be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical spirits within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

[0142] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below. Explanation of the symbols

[0144] 10: User terminal 20: Metalworking device 30: Main Server

Claims

Claim 1 A metal processing device comprising a unit station equipped with a robot arm that is equipped with multiple joints and rotates at various angles, and a processing unit, a crafting unit, a post-processing unit, and a dispenser unit that are detachably attached to the robot arm; and a main server that receives user data input by a user through a user terminal, controls the robot arm, and selectively uses one of the processing unit, the crafting unit, the post-processing unit, and the dispenser unit to process jewelry.The system includes: an AI design analysis module that analyzes user data provided by the user terminal using a natural language processing algorithm to identify production information including the material, type of gemstone, setting method, style keyword, and material hardness of the jewelry, and collects similar jewelry design images associated with the style keyword through an external server to derive parameters that correct the band thickness and gemstone size proportions of the jewelry; a 3D modeling module that generates coordinate values ​​of points having X, Y, and Z coordinates of a 3D coordinate system from an input original image to produce shape data that serves as the operating standard for the robot arm; a metal processing module that mounts the processing unit on the robot arm and operates the processing unit based on the shape data; and a system that scans the surface of the jewelry, whose shape is realized by the metal processing module, using a camera module equipped on the robot arm to 3D map the surface roughness, generates a virtual linear sliding trajectory, mounts the post-processing unit on the robot arm to move it back and forth along the linear sliding trajectory, and varies the polishing pressure by synchronizing the torque value measured by the torque sensor equipped on the robot arm joint with the scanned roughness data in real time. A micro-pattern engraving module comprising: an active polishing module; when polishing is completed through the active polishing module, the processing unit and the fine-cutting unit are selectively mounted on the robot arm; the laser output of the processing unit is pulse-controlled in nanosecond (ns) units according to the material hardness data of the jewelry to finely cut the surface; a physical indentation is left through the Z-axis fine movement of the robot arm using a diamond tip mounted at the end of the fine-cutting unit; and an authentication pattern and aesthetic texture in micrometer units that are indistinguishable to the naked eye are formed, while the pattern formation coordinates are stored in a database to be utilized as markers for augmented reality (AR) recognition of smart devices;A surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry, further comprising: an inlay finishing module that captures the depth and width of a micro pattern formed by the micro pattern imprinting module using the high-resolution vision of the camera module to calculate the internal volume of the depth, injects a quantum dot or nano ink through the dispenser unit by precisely controlling the discharge amount in microliters (μL) to match the calculated volume, and laminates a transparent protective film within the time during which the surface tension of the injected nano material is maintained to eliminate the step difference between the jewelry surface and the nano material. Claim 2 In claim 1, the main server comprises: a workpiece carving module that, when jewelry is processed by the metal processing module, controls the robot arm to mount the processing unit on the unit station and mounts the carving unit to precisely cut or carve the jewelry; a post-processing module that controls the robot arm to mount the carving unit on the unit station and mounts the post-processing unit to polish the surface of the jewelry to complete the jewelry; a missing data restoration module that identifies missing regions where data is lost due to scan blind spots in shape data and restores the missing regions by calculating virtual coordinate values ​​similar to surrounding feature values ​​through a deep learning neural network; an intelligent mesh conversion module that converts the restored shape data into a 3D mesh with a polygon structure from which noise has been removed using a lightweight deep learning model that has learned the connection relationships between vertices; a grid pattern generation module that converts the internal structure of the 3D mesh into a topology-optimized honeycomb or grid form; and the processing unit sprays metal powder and melts and deposits it using a laser, wherein the temperature of the melt pool at the point where the laser is irradiated A surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry, comprising: a melting monitoring module that forms a uniform bead width by detecting in real time and feedback controlling the laser output; a thermal deformation compensation module that analyzes the thermal expansion coefficient of the metal material and the amount of heat accumulation according to the stacking path to predict shrinkage and warping that will occur after processing and deforms the 3D model in the reverse direction in advance; a haptic feedback module that detects the resistance force applied to the jewelry by the machining unit through a torque sensor provided in the joint of the robot arm and adjusts the feed speed to prevent tool breakage due to overload; and a tool wear compensation module that measures the degree of wear on the end of the machining unit with a laser sensor and corrects the error in the cutting depth in real time. Claim 3 A surface processing system for improving the appearance quality and durability of precious metal jewelry according to claim 1, wherein the metal processing device comprises: a case having a robot arm externally provided and a receiving portion formed internally; a work pad including a cooling water transfer tube provided in a zigzag pattern inside the case; a first cooling module having at least one sliding toward the work pad around the perimeter of the work pad and spraying compressed air toward the work pad to cool the work pad or jewelry; and a second cooling module providing cooling water to the cooling water transfer tube to cool the work pad.

Images