Central Laser Operator Software Job Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser processing systems require separate jobs and software for laser plotters and galvo marking lasers, leading to user unfriendliness and increased errors due to different operator functions, as well as the need for multiple software setups for processing different types of workpieces.

Innovation Solution

A central operator software that allows users to create and import graphics or texts, setting minimal parameters like material thickness and engraving depth, with an analysis tool determining the necessary movement parameters for either laser type, enabling the generation of jobs for both laser plotter and galvo marking lasers, and allowing selection of available laser devices for processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate software is used for laser plotters and galvo marking lasers, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but user-friendliness decreases and errors increase due to different operator functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror reductionVSAvoiduser-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple device-specific software interfaces into a single unified operator software that can control both laser plotters and galvo marking lasers. This merging eliminates the need for users to switch between different software programs, reducing errors caused by inconsistent operator functions while maintaining ease of operation through a consistent interface design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operator software is designed with multi-functionality to handle different laser device types (laser plotters and galvo marking lasers) through a single interface. The software automatically adapts its functionality based on the selected device type, providing universal control capabilities that improve reliability without sacrificing user-friendliness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If separate jobs are created for different laser types, then processing parameters can be optimized for each device, but the job creation process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing parameter optimizationVSAvoidjob creation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The software provides pre-configured device templates and automatic parameter selection based on the chosen laser type. When a user selects a laser plotter or galvo marking laser, the software automatically applies appropriate processing parameters and movement configurations, eliminating the need for manual optimization while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The job creation process is made dynamic through automatic parameter adjustment based on the selected device type. The software dynamically modifies movement parameters, power settings, and processing configurations according to whether a laser plotter or galvo marking laser is selected, reducing complexity while preserving optimization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual parameter setting is required for different laser types, then processing can be customized, but user-friendliness decreases and setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup timeVSAvoiduser-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The software implements self-service functionality by automatically determining and configuring movement parameters, laser power, and processing settings based on the selected device type and workpiece requirements. This eliminates the need for manual parameter setting while maintaining customization capabilities, significantly reducing setup time and improving user-friendliness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The software automatically changes processing parameters based on the selected laser type (laser plotter or galvo marking laser). When a device type is selected, the system automatically adjusts movement parameters, power levels, and processing speeds to optimal values, eliminating manual configuration while maintaining productivity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 job creation process by allowing users to manage different laser types from a single interface, reducing errors and increasing user-friendliness, while ensuring accurate processing by calculating movement parameters and laser power, and enabling efficient distribution of jobs across available laser devices.

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser focusing: Focusing

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP4139080B1Method for operating and controlling a laser device for engraving, marking, inscribing and/or cutting a preferably flat workpiece
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 TROTEC LASER LTD
  • EP4139080B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4139080B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4139080B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for creating a job (9, 10) from central operator software (1) for different laser types (2), in particular a laser plotter (2a) or Galvo marking laser (2b), for engraving, marking, inscribing, and/or cutting a preferably flat workpiece (12, 13), wherein at least one beam source in the form of a laser is used for machining the workpiece (12, 13) in a housing of the laser device (2), wherein the workpiece (12, 13) is placed on a machining table in a machining chamber 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 (12, 13) and correspondingly positioned, wherein the controlling is carried out using control software running in a control unit, in which a job can be executed. A graphic and/or text is created or imported in central operator software (1), then, in the central operator software (1), the parameters (15) for material (15a), material thickness (15b), engraving depth or effect (15c) and cutting effect (15d) are set in order to create the job (9, 10), then a laser type (2) - laser plotter (2a) or Galvo marking laser (2b) - is proposed or determined by the operator software (1) or the desired laser type (2) - laser plotter (2a) or Galvo marking laser (2b) - is selected by the user, then, after selecting the laser type (2), the movement parameters (14) of the selected laser type (2) required for generating the graphic and/or text are determined or calculated and established by an analysis tool (14), and then the laser power and speed is calculated and established by the analysis tool (14).