Flat Article Marking via Digital Profile Superposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for marking references on flat articles, such as leather, lack precision and are labor-intensive, relying on operator experience and manual alignment, which leads to fatigue and reduced productivity, especially when dealing with complex or thick materials.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a roto-translation system to automatically superpose a cardboard model's profile onto the article, allowing for precise and contactless marking of references, eliminating the need for manual alignment and enabling high precision and productivity regardless of operator experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual marking with a marker pen is used, then the operator can mark references on the article, but the precision of marking deteriorates due to operator experience and inability to maintain perpendicularity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical marking system with an automated optical-mechanical system. A camera captures images of the article, a processor analyzes the images to determine marking positions, and a marking device automatically marks the references. This eliminates the need for operator skill in maintaining perpendicularity and ensures consistent precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment and self-marking without operator intervention. The camera automatically captures the article position, the processor calculates the correct marking locations based on the captured images, and the marking device executes the marking at the precise locations determined by the system itself.
2Quantity of substance
If excessive pressure is applied by the marker pen on thick or rough leather, then marking can be achieved, but the article is damaged making final finishing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure-based marking with a controlled marking system that applies minimal force. The automated marking device uses precise positioning to deposit marking material (such as ink or laser) at the reference points without requiring excessive pressure, thereby avoiding damage to thick or rough leather articles.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment and marking of multiple references is performed, then references can be marked on the article, but the working time increases due to repetitive alignment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual alignment and marking operations with an automated image-processing system. The camera captures the entire article, the processor identifies all reference positions through image analysis, and the marking device sequentially marks all references without repeated physical alignment operations, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary capture and analysis of the entire article before marking begins. By capturing an image of the complete article and pre-calculating all marking positions, the system eliminates the need for repeated alignment operations during the marking process, allowing all references to be marked efficiently in sequence.
4Measurement precision
If the model is manually superposed on the flat article, then the marking operation can be performed, but precision deteriorates when the model is not perfectly aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical model superposition system with a digital image-based system. Instead of requiring physical alignment of a cardboard model, the camera captures the article and the processor digitally determines the correct positioning and orientation, eliminating the complexity of physical alignment constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (image) of the article and performs all alignment and positioning calculations on this digital replica. This digital copying approach eliminates the need for physical model alignment while maintaining or improving precision through computational accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for marking references on a flat article includes providing a model having at least a through-opening and exhibiting the same peripheral profile as a flat article to be marked; detecting the peripheral profile of the model and storing that profile in a memory; detecting a profile of the through-opening and the relative positioning with respect to a reference system; detecting a peripheral profile of the flat article; replicating the peripheral profile of the model so as to superpose it on the peripheral profile of the flat article; replicating also the profile of the through-opening of the detected model, taking account of the relative positioning with respect to the reference system and of the positioning of the peripheral profile of the model with respect to the peripheral profile of the flat article. Contactless marking of at least a reference on the flat article is made at the profile of the through-opening which has been replicated.