Method for characterisation of a laser engraving of a fabric, corresponding computer program and system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current laser engraving process for fabrics, particularly denim, is time-consuming and costly, requiring iterative trial and error, high user expertise, and significant environmental impact, especially when replicating designs with different machines or fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A method that characterizes laser engraving by providing a pattern with varying degrees of engraving, processing fabric and laser parameters to generate simulated output images, allowing users to determine corresponding engraving adjustments without physical iterations, thus automating the process and reducing material and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an iterative trial and error process is used to replicate laser engraving designs, then the engraving quality can be adjusted to match the desired pattern, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the relationship between laser parameters and resulting engraving appearances in a lookup table before actual production. This allows the system to directly retrieve appropriate parameters for desired engraving effects without performing iterative trials, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high engraving quality and reducing process time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital model (copy) of the laser engraving process that simulates the relationship between input parameters and output appearance. This virtual copy allows prediction of engraving results without physical trials, enabling high precision engraving while eliminating time-consuming iterative testing
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple iterations of laser engraving trials are performed, then the desired engraving effect can be achieved, but material consumption and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations and stores parameter relationships in advance, allowing direct determination of correct laser settings without iterative trials. This eliminates repeated fabric processing attempts, thereby reducing material consumption while maintaining accurate engraving effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a digital simulation model to predict engraving outcomes before actual fabrication. This virtual copying of the process allows optimization of parameters without consuming physical fabric, reducing material waste while achieving desired engraving precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If different laser engraving machines are used to replicate designs, then production flexibility increases, but the iterative adjustment process must be repeated for each machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal lookup table that captures the relationship between laser parameters and engraving appearance in a machine-agnostic manner. This universal model can be applied across different laser engraving machines, allowing parameter transfer and direct replication without repeating iterative adjustments, thus maintaining flexibility while improving replication efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a transferable digital model of the engraving process that can be copied and applied to different machines. This model serves as a universal reference that eliminates the need to relearn machine-specific parameters, enabling efficient replication across multiple devices while maintaining adaptability
4Manufacturing precision
If experienced users perform manual laser parameter adjustments, then high-quality engraving results can be achieved, but the process requires specialized expertise and cannot be easily automated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine optimal laser parameters through lookup table queries based on desired engraving effects. This eliminates the need for experienced users to manually adjust parameters, allowing unskilled operators to achieve high-quality results through automated parameter selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures the expertise of experienced users in a digital model that encodes the relationship between parameters and outcomes. This copied knowledge is stored in the lookup table, allowing the system to automatically reproduce expert-level results without requiring users to possess specialized skills or understanding
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method significantly reduces time and cost, minimizes environmental impact, and allows for efficient replication of designs across different fabrics and machines, enabling high-quality results without requiring extensive user expertise.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam impinges the surface of a fabric, removing by combustion a surface layer of said fabric
Implementation Method 2
a laser beam impinges the surface of a fabric, removing by combustion a surface layer of said fabric
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for characterisation of a laser engraving of a fabric, corresponding computer program and system. The method comprising providing a pattern (100) having a plurality of engraved zones (101) for different degrees of engraving, and a processing stage comprising the steps of: [a] providing a fabric image (200) and at least one fabric parameter, thus characterising a target fabric; [b] providing at least one laser engraving parameter, thus characterising a target laser engraving; [c] generating a plurality of output images (301), each for a different degree of engraving; [d] establishing a correspondence between each engraved zone (101) and the output image that is more similar; [e] thus obtaining a correspondence between degrees of engraving in said pattern (100) and degrees of engraving for said target laser engraving applied to said target fabric; thus obtaining a characterisation of said target laser engraving for said target fabric given said pattern.