Laser Marker Optimizes 2D Code Printing via Automatic Pattern Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser markers face difficulties in efficiently determining optimum printing conditions for two-dimensional codes on workpieces due to variations in material and laser specifications, requiring extensive labor to prepare and select appropriate printing and evaluation patterns, which complicates the evaluation of printing quality.

Innovation Solution

A laser marker system comprising a laser oscillation unit, scanner, converging unit, print pattern generator, recognition unit, and storage, which generates and adjusts print patterns within a reference cell to achieve a recognition rate threshold, storing optimal conditions for future use, thereby simplifying the evaluation and printing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple printing patterns and print evaluation patterns are prepared for different workpiece materials and laser specifications, then printing quality can be optimized, but preparation and selection of these patterns requires extensive labor and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting qualityVSAvoidpreparation and selection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the workpiece material using a database and material identification algorithms, then autonomously selects the appropriate printing pattern and print evaluation pattern without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts printing parameters based on the identified material type, eliminating the need for operators to manually prepare and select patterns from extensive databases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of printing patterns and print evaluation patterns are stored in the database, then optimum conditions can be found for various materials, but selecting and evaluating the appropriate patterns becomes extremely troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different materialsVSAvoidpattern selection and evaluation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the recognition result of the printed two-dimensional code is evaluated against the print evaluation pattern. The system automatically compares the actual printed code with the expected pattern, computes recognition rates, and uses this feedback to determine whether the selected printing pattern is optimal. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual evaluation work and ensures consistent quality assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that automatically matches workpiece materials with appropriate printing and evaluation patterns through database queries and algorithmic selection. This intermediary layer translates the complex relationship between materials and patterns into automated selections, preventing operators from directly confronting the complexity of choosing from numerous patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If printing parameters are adjusted to optimize recognition rate for specific materials, then printing quality improves, but the intricate correlation between parameters makes adjustment troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecognition rateVSAvoidparameter adjustment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores optimal printing parameters and patterns in a database for various workpiece materials before actual printing operations. When a workpiece is processed, the system retrieves pre-determined optimal parameters based on material identification, eliminating the need for operators to perform complex real-time parameter adjustments. The optimal settings are prepared in advance through systematic analysis and stored for immediate deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The system efficiently determines and stores optimal printing conditions for two-dimensional codes, improving recognition rates and reducing the complexity of selecting suitable patterns, facilitating efficient and high-quality printing across different materials and laser specifications.

Implementation Method 1

a laser oscillation unit configured to emit a laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS9858447B2Laser marker capable of setting optimum print pattern making up two-dimensional code printed on workpiece

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A laser marker enables efficient determination of an optimum condition for a printing pattern of a two-dimensional code and simplification of the evaluation operation of the printing pattern of the two-dimensional code. A printing pattern regarding a cell to be printed in each of reference cells of a two-dimensional code is generated. The two-dimensional code is printed in this cell printing pattern. The recognition rate of the two-dimensional code is calculated on the basis of the reference cells. When the recognition rate is a predetermined value or more, a present printing pattern is stored as an optimum condition (optimum printing pattern) in a database. In contrast, when the recognition rate is less than the predetermined value, the size of cells constituting the present printing pattern is changed. The two-dimensional code is printed in the changed cell printing pattern, and the recognition rate of the two-dimensional code is calculated again.