Laser Plotter Registration Alignment Using a Laser Pointer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The initial positioning of workpieces in laser plotters is complex and time-consuming for users, requiring them to alternately look at display elements and the processing area to align registration marks, which complicates the setup and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where a laser pointer is used to position on any identification feature, with the display image shifted to match the laser position, allowing users to easily align the workpiece without needing to constantly refer to the display, and enabling auto-correction and manual intervention for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the user positions the workpiece by alternately looking at the display element and processing area, then the workpiece can be positioned on the recognition feature, but the positioning process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
A laser pointer is introduced as an intermediary tool that projects a visible spot directly onto the workpiece in the processing area. This allows the user to see the laser position on the workpiece simultaneously with viewing the display element, eliminating the need to alternately look between the two and significantly reducing positioning time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The manual positioning method relying on visual coordination between display and processing area is replaced by an optical guidance system. The laser pointer provides direct optical feedback on the workpiece position, substituting the complex visual-mechanical coordination with a simpler optical indication system that reduces cognitive and temporal load
2Ease of operation
If the laser pointer is used to mark the recognition feature, then the positioning process is simplified and accelerated, but additional positioning adjustments may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the laser pointer position is continuously updated based on the recognized feature location. The control unit receives recognition results and automatically adjusts the laser pointer position accordingly, providing real-time feedback that guides the user through minimal adjustment steps rather than complex manual positioning procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically calculating and adjusting the laser pointer position based on automatic recognition of features on the workpiece. This self-service capability reduces the burden on the user to perform complex positioning calculations and adjustments manually
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 simplifies the positioning process, allowing for fast and accurate alignment of workpieces, even with varying sizes and formats, and enables efficient handling of multiple processing jobs by reducing the need for constant reference to the display and optical unit.
Implementation Method 1
a laser pointer of the laser is positioned on any recognition feature
Implementation Method 2
an optical unit for detecting the registration marks
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a laser plotter (2), a device and a method for machining, in particular cutting, a graphic (17) applied to a workpiece (7), in particular a graphic region, the method having the following steps: - creating and/or loading a machining job (16) with a graphic (17) or a graphic region and recognition features (28) on a display element (15), in particular a computer; - applying the recognition features (28) and the graphic (17) or graphic region to the workpiece (7); - arranging the workpiece (7) in a machining region (8) of a laser plotter (2) having in particular an optical unit (30) for sensing the recognition features (28); - sensing or detecting the workpiece (7), in particular the recognition features (28), in order to determine the position and orientation of the workpiece (7), in particular of the graphic (17) or the graphic region applied, in the machining region (8); - performing the machining process after successful recognition of the workpiece (8), in particular of the graphic (17) or graphic region; - after the workpiece (7) has been placed in the machining region (8), positioning a laser pointer (27) of the laser (5, 6) on any of the recognition features (28), - then shifting on the display element (15) a machining image of the graphic (17) or graphic region represented on the display element (15), together with the associated recognition feature (28), in such a way that a laser position (26) displayed on the display element (15) coincides with the recognition feature (28) marked with the laser pointer (27).