Laser Marking with Conversion Material Reference Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for laser marking of plastic-based objects, such as security documents, require complex and time-consuming adjustments of the coordinate system between the laser device and the object, often involving high-resolution cameras for precise positioning, which can be error-prone and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a reference marking with conversion material on the object, where the laser source generates two different intensities, allowing the laser beam to detect luminescence radiation emitted by the conversion material, eliminating the need for cameras and enabling direct alignment of the laser beam with the marking area, thus simplifying the coordinate matching process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution cameras are used for precise positioning and coordinate system alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the camera component from the system entirely. Instead of using a camera to detect reference marks and perform coordinate transformations, the system uses the laser beam itself to directly locate and mark the object, extracting the positioning function from the optical detection subsystem and integrating it into the laser marking subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam serves multiple functions: it acts as both the marking tool and the positioning tool. By using the same laser beam for both locating reference marks (through luminescence detection) and performing the actual marking, the system eliminates the need for separate detection and marking systems, reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If complex coordinate system adjustments are performed using reference objects and cameras, then positioning accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference mark is pre-applied to the object during manufacturing, containing encoded positioning information. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time coordinate transformations during the marking process, as the laser system can directly decode and use the pre-encoded position data from the reference mark.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference mark on the object serves itself by encoding positioning information that the laser system can directly read and use. The object's own reference mark provides the positioning data needed, eliminating the need for external camera-based measurement and complex coordinate system adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If cameras are used to detect reference marks and perform target-actual comparison, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical camera-based detection system with a laser-based detection system. Instead of using a camera to capture images of reference marks and perform digital image processing, the system uses the laser beam to directly interact with the reference mark and detect its position through luminescence, substituting a simpler optical-mechanical system with a more direct laser-based approach.
4Measurement precision
If high-resolution cameras and complex calibration procedures are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but error sources increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the camera and its associated calibration procedures, the patent eliminates multiple potential error sources including camera lens distortion, image processing algorithms, and coordinate transformation calculations. The direct laser-based positioning approach reduces the number of intermediate steps where errors can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a camera to observe and measure the reference mark from a distance, the system inverts the approach by having the laser beam directly interact with the reference mark at the marking location. This inversion eliminates the need for optical path calibration and reduces errors related to optical system alignment and image processing.
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 approach allows for precise and efficient laser marking without the need for high-resolution cameras, reducing errors and costs, and enabling direct assignment of the laser beam to the marking area, thereby simplifying the individualization process of plastic-based objects.
Implementation Method 1
the object to be marked has a reference mark made of conversion material. The control unit of the device is further configured to control the laser source such that at least one laser beam with a first scan intensity and a second marking intensity can be generated, wherein the scan intensity is lower than the marking intensity and no marking of the object occurs when an object is irradiated with the scan intensity, wherein the device has a light-sensitive receiver provided for detecting luminescence radiation emitted by the object
Implementation Method 2
The energy absorbed during the absorption of the laser radiation is used to modify the plastic material of the appropriately prepared sheet, i.e., the layer formed from this sheet within the document. In particular, chemical bonds of the polymers from which the plastic material is formed are broken, and carbonization is induced.
Implementation Method 3
some or all of the sheets are designed to contain pigments that are imperceptible to the human observer, or at least not readily visible, and which promote the absorption of laser radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (100) for individualizing an object by means of a laser, comprising at least one object (14) to be marked, which has a reference mark (17) with conversion material, and a device (1) for individualization by means of a laser. The device (1) has a laser source (2) for generating a laser beam (4), a two-coordinate deflection unit (6) for selectively deflecting the laser beam (4) by different solid angles, a control unit (8) for controlling the laser source (2) and the two-coordinate deflection unit (6), and a table (10) with a target marking plane (12) for receiving the object (14) to be marked by means of the laser beam (4). The control unit (8) is configured to control the laser source (2) such that at least one laser beam (4) with a first scan intensity and a second marking intensity can be generated.The scan intensity is lower than the marking intensity, and when an object (14) is irradiated with the scan intensity, no marking of the object (14) occurs. The device (1) has a light-sensitive receiver (18) designed to detect luminescence radiation (20) emitted by the object (14), and the light-sensitive receiver (18) is connected to the control unit (8) to assign the reception of the luminescence radiation (20) to a controlled direction of the laser beam (4). The invention further relates to a corresponding method for individualization using a laser, and to an object to be marked.