Laser Job Control Across Plotter and Galvo Marking Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser devices, such as laser plotters and galvo marking lasers, require separate jobs and software for processing, necessitating different parameter settings for each device type, which complicates the engraving or marking of graphics or texts on multiple workpieces and increases user complexity.
Innovation Solution
A web-based central operator software allows for the creation of jobs that can be downloaded directly to various laser devices, automatically adjusting parameters based on location-specific guidelines, ensuring compliance with safety settings and allowing selection of the appropriate laser type, eliminating the need for device-specific knowledge and software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate jobs and software are used for different laser device types (laser plotter and galvo marking laser), then each device can be optimized for its specific processing method, but the user complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal job structure that can be used across different laser device types (laser plotters and galvo marking lasers). The job data format is designed to be device-agnostic, allowing the same job to be processed by multiple device types without requiring separate software or parameter adjustments for each device category.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that translates universal job data into device-specific parameters. The control unit automatically adapts the standardized job structure to the specific requirements of each laser device type, acting as a mediator between the universal input and device-specific execution.
2Manufacturing precision
If device-specific parameter settings are required for each laser type, then processing precision can be optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by maintaining a core set of universal processing parameters that can be automatically adjusted based on the target device type. The system stores device-specific parameter profiles that are automatically applied during job execution, allowing precision optimization without requiring users to manually configure complex parameters for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring device-specific parameter profiles and settings before job execution. The system automatically selects and applies the appropriate parameter set based on the target laser device type, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust parameters and reducing device complexity while maintaining processing precision.
3Reliability
If multiple separate software systems are used for different laser devices, then each system can be tailored to specific device requirements, but the loss of time increases due to creating and managing multiple jobs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple device-specific software systems into a single unified job creation interface. The universal job structure consolidates parameters and settings that would otherwise require separate configurations for different laser device types, allowing users to create one job that can be executed across multiple device categories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a job data format and control system that serves multiple laser device types simultaneously. The same job can be distributed to and executed on different device types without requiring separate job creations, significantly reducing the time loss associated with managing multiple software systems.
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 solution simplifies the process of creating and executing jobs across different laser devices, ensuring compliance with location-specific regulations and optimizing system settings, reducing user complexity and enabling seamless operation across multiple devices without requiring specialized knowledge.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam emitted by the beam source is sent via deflection elements to at least one focusing unit, from which the laser beam is deflected in the direction of the workpiece and focused for processing
Implementation Method 2
This creates an extremely high power density at the focus of the laser beam, which can be used to melt or vaporize, engrave, mark, or label materials
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating and controlling a laser device (2) for engraving, marking, inscribing and/or cutting a preferably flat workpiece (9, 10), wherein at least one beam source in the form of a laser is used in a housing of the laser device (2), wherein the workpiece is placed on a machining table in the machining chamber of the housing in a defined manner and a laser beam output by the beam source is sent to at least one focusing unit via deflection elements, with which focusing unit the laser beam is deflected in the direction of the workpiece and is focused for machining, wherein the controlling, in particular controlling the position of the workpiece relative to the laser beam, is carried out using control software running in a control unit, in which a job (9, 10) can be executed, such that the workpiece (12, 13) is machined preferably line-by-line by adjusting a movement system, such as a carriage in a laser plotter (2a) or an angle adjustment in a Galvo marking laser (2b). The job (9, 10) for machining the workpiece is downloaded from a web-based database (17) or the Cloud (4) directly by the laser device (2) or laser unit (2), wherein the location of the laser device (2) is determined or requested before the download has started or during the download, then the relevant guidelines for safety settings and optionally further settings or parameters (15) relating to the determined location, in particular the country or region, are determined and the associated parameters (15), in particular the safety parameters, are checked and optionally adjusted in the job (9, 10).