Laser Plotter Registration Mark Alignment for Precise Engraving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for engraving, marking, and cutting workpieces with graphics are complex for users, particularly in positioning the workpiece correctly, leading to time-consuming setup processes and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves determining and storing the assignment of identification features to engraving or labeling areas, allowing for precise positioning through automatic recognition of register marks and graphic elements, ensuring that engravings are applied only to defined locations, thereby simplifying the setup and preventing unwanted engravings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning and setup methods are used, then the user has control over the process, but the setup time increases and handling becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic recognition of registration marks and self-positioning of the workpiece, eliminating the need for manual positioning operations. The control unit automatically detects the registration marks on the workpiece and calculates the position and orientation, allowing the system to service itself rather than requiring user intervention for positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an optical detection system. Instead of physically positioning the workpiece through mechanical means, the system uses optical units to detect registration marks and automatically determines position and orientation, substituting mechanical operations with optical and computational processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex positioning procedures are implemented, then positioning accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning information from complex manual procedures and encodes it into simple registration marks printed on the workpiece. The essential positioning data is separated from the complex setup process and embedded in the workpiece itself, allowing automatic detection without complex positioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses registration marks as simplified copies or representations of the workpiece positioning information. Instead of requiring complex physical positioning, the system reads the positional data encoded in the registration marks, which are printed copies containing the necessary positioning information.
3Productivity
If automatic recognition of registration marks is used, then positioning speed increases, but the risk of engraving in wrong areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through the registration marks that provide information about the workpiece position and orientation. The control unit receives feedback from the optical detection of these marks and automatically adjusts the engraving position accordingly, ensuring that high-speed automatic processing does not compromise accuracy.
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 method significantly improves handling and reduces setup time, ensuring precise engravings and preventing errors by automating the positioning process, allowing for efficient and accurate machining of workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
the workpiece, in particular the register marks, is detected by an optical unit in order to determine the position and orientation of the workpiece
Implementation Method 2
a laser beam is sent via deflection elements to a movable focusing unit, by which the laser beam is deflected in the direction of the workpiece and focused for processing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a method for engraving, marking, labeling, and/or cutting workpieces (7) with applied graphics (17), in particular a graphic area, 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 (15); - 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 (8) 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 (8); - carrying out the processing process after successful recognition of the workpiece (7), in particular the graphic (17) or the graphic area, characterized in that - that an engraving and/or marking area (48) is defined and stored depending on the recognition features (28), or - that an engraving and/or marking area (48) is defined and stored depending on the graphic (17) or the graphic area, - whereupon, during the processing process, after the detection of one or more recognition features (28), in particular registration marks (31), and/or graphic elements (32) or a part of the graphic (17) and/or workpiece elements (33), a position of the engraving and/or marking area (48) assigned to the recognition features (28) is recognized.