Workpiece Mark Reading via Reference-Point Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reading identification marks on workpieces are inefficient due to deviations in position and orientation, leading to detection errors and reduced productivity, especially with small identification marks.
Innovation Solution
A treatment method for workpieces that involves storing the positional relation between a reference point on the workpiece and the identification mark, detecting the reference point, and then using this relation to efficiently read the identification mark, even when the workpiece deviates in position or orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the identification mark is read automatically at a settled position, then the reading process is simplified, but the system becomes sensitive to workpiece position and orientation deviations causing detection errors and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first detecting the reference point on the workpiece before attempting to read the identification mark. The system pre-stores the positional relationship between the reference point and the identification mark, then uses the detected reference point position to calculate and adjust the imaging position for reading the mark. This preliminary reference detection ensures reliable identification mark reading even when workpiece position or orientation deviates from the settled position.
2Loss of information
If the identification mark size is reduced, then the information density increases, but the detection difficulty increases especially when workpiece position deviates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the reference point as an intermediary element to facilitate identification mark detection. Instead of directly detecting the small identification mark which is difficult when position deviates, the system first detects the larger, easier-to-find reference point, then uses the pre-stored positional relationship to locate and read the identification mark. This intermediary reference point approach enables reliable detection of small marks even with position deviations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reading attempts are executed to detect the identification mark when position deviates, then detection accuracy may improve, but productivity decreases due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the reference point and calculates the workpiece position and orientation based on the reference point position. Using the pre-stored positional relationship between the reference point and identification mark, the system directly determines the correct imaging position and orientation for reading the identification mark in a single attempt, eliminating the need for multiple reading attempts and maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment method of a workpiece includes a positional relation storing step of storing a positional relation between a reference point of the workpiece and an identification mark to identify the workpiece, holding the workpiece over a holding table, imaging the workpiece by an imaging unit and detecting the reference point. The treatment method includes also a reading step of detecting the identification mark on the basis of the positional relation recorded in the positional relation storing step and imaging the identification mark by the imaging unit to read the identification mark, a treatment step of treating the workpiece, and an information recording step of associating information regarding the workpiece indicated by the identification mark read in the reading step with treatment information relating to the treatment step and recording the information regarding the workpiece and the treatment information.