Laser Marking Workflow Control for Correct Process Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser marking systems require users to have knowledge about the roles of each process and make complex settings to set the execution order, which is inconvenient for user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A laser marking apparatus with a controller that executes printing and pre-post printing processes based on predefined order information, using a workflow editor to define the execution order of processes without requiring user knowledge of process roles, and includes a distance detector for accurate measurement and a display unit for user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users manually set the execution order of processes based on their knowledge of each process role, then the system can execute processes in the correct sequence, but the operation becomes complex and inconvenient for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines and sets the execution order of processes based on predefined relationships between process types, eliminating the need for users to manually configure the sequence. The controller autonomously manages the workflow by identifying prerequisite relationships between processes and executing them in the correct order without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines the execution order and relationships between processes in advance, storing this information in the order information storage unit. When a user initiates a workflow, the controller automatically retrieves and applies these pre-established relationships to determine the correct execution sequence, avoiding the need for users to make complex settings during operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If users set the execution order considering their knowledge of process roles, then accurate process sequencing can be achieved, but it requires significant user effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines and sets the execution order of processes based on predefined relationships between process types, eliminating the need for users to manually configure the sequence. The controller autonomously manages the workflow by identifying prerequisite relationships between processes and executing them in the correct order without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines the execution order and relationships between processes in advance, storing this information in the order information storage unit. When a user initiates a workflow, the controller automatically retrieves and applies these pre-established relationships to determine the correct execution sequence, avoiding the need for users to make complex settings during operation.
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
Improves user convenience by allowing users to set workflows easily and accurately execute processes without prior knowledge, ensuring high precision and efficiency in laser marking operations.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light generator that generates laser light to be irradiated onto a printing area of a workpiece
Implementation Method 2
a distance detector that outputs a detection signal indicating the distance to a distance measurement position indicating a position for measuring the distance on the surface of the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
The laser marking apparatus L includes a printing controller 100 that executes a printing process to form a predetermined printing pattern Pm within a printing area R1, and pre-post printing processes performed before and after the printing process; a storage unit 303 that stores order information Io; a workflow editor 304c that edits a workflow Wf defining a series of processes including the printing process; and an input receiver 304g that accepts selection of pre-post printing processes to be included in the workflow Wf according to user input from the pre-post printing processes. The workflow editor 304c adds the pre-post printing processes, for which selection has been accepted by the input receiver 304g, to the workflow Wf in an order according to the order information Io. The printing controller 100 executes the printing process and the pre-post printing processes in the order defined by the edited workflow Wf.