Laser Plotter Graphic Alignment Using Recognition Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for machining workpieces using laser plotters are complex for users, particularly in positioning the workpiece, leading to inaccuracies and increased operational difficulty.

Innovation Solution

A method that enhances user-friendliness by displaying the actual recognized position of identifying features on the computer, allowing for manual correction and automatic adjustment, with visual cues like flashing or color changes to highlight position discrepancies, ensuring accurate positioning without affecting subsequent processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the workpiece positioning and setup on the display element is performed using conventional methods, then the processing can be completed, but the initial positioning is relatively complex for the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece positioningVSAvoidpositioning process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays the actually recognized position of identification features and graphics on the computer screen, providing real-time feedback to the user. This allows users to see the current positioning status and make necessary adjustments, significantly simplifying the positioning process while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the workpiece position and identification features on the display element (computer screen). This graphical representation allows users to easily understand and adjust the positioning without directly manipulating the physical workpiece, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If the new position is displayed immediately after processing, then the user can immediately improve recognition for the next process, but this may cause confusion if the position is incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition improvement speedVSAvoidposition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses different colors or visual states to indicate the status of position recognition and correction. For example, the new position may be displayed in a different color or with visual cues (such as flashing) to help users immediately recognize position changes and potential errors, allowing for quick verification without confusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Manufacturing precision

If a comparison is carried out between the defined position and actual position during manual correction, then positioning accuracy is improved, but this delays the start of the next processing process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs comparison only when necessary (during manual correction mode), rather than continuously for every operation. This partial application of the comparison function maintains positioning accuracy when needed while avoiding unnecessary time delays during automated or straightforward processing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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

This approach simplifies the positioning process, reduces errors, and allows for immediate recognition of inaccuracies, ensuring precise alignment and minimizing the impact of incorrect insertions on subsequent machining processes.

Implementation Method 1

the workpiece, in particular the identification features, is detected by an optical unit in order to determine the position and alignment of the workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Light

Implementation Method 2

at least one, in particular two, radiation sources (4) in the form of lasers (5, 6) are arranged and operated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 3

a movable focusing unit (12) designed for both radiation sources (4), by which the laser beam (10) is deflected and focused for processing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser beam focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP3925742B1Method, device and laser plotter for processing workpieces
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 TROTEC LASER LTD
  • EP3925742B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3925742B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3925742B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention describes a method for processing, in particular cutting, a graphic (17), in particular a graphic area, applied to a workpiece (7), comprising the following steps: - creating and/or loading a processing job (16) with a graphic (17) or a graphic area and recognition features (28) on a display element (15), in particular a computer; - applying the recognition features (28) and the graphic (17) or the graphic area to the workpiece (7); - arranging the workpiece (7) in a processing area of ​​a processing device (1), in particular a laser plotter (2) with an optical unit (30) for detecting the recognition features (28); - detecting the workpiece (7), in particular the recognition features (28), in order to determine the position and orientation of the workpiece (7), in particular the applied graphic (17) or graphic area.of the graphic area, in the processing area; - carrying out the processing process after successful recognition of the workpiece (7), in particular the graphic (17) or the graphic area, characterized in that after the processing process the actual recognized position of the recognition features (28) and/or the associated graphic (17) or the graphic area in the work area (25) is displayed on the computer (15) at the corresponding position.