AT517798B1 - Method for processing workpieces - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for processing, in particular cutting, a graphic (17) applied to a workpiece (7), in particular a graphic area, comprising the following steps: - creating and / or loading a machining job (16) with a graphic (17) or a graphics area and recognition features (28) on a display element (15), in particular a computer; - applying the identification features (28) and the graphics (17) or the graphics area on 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 identification features (28); - Detecting 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 the applied graphics (17) and the graphics area, in the processing area; - Performing the machining process after successful recognition of the workpiece (7), in particular the graphics (17) or the graphics area, - after the processing process, the actual detected position of the recognition features (28) and / or the associated graphics (17) or the graphics area in the work area (25) on the computer (15) is displayed in the appropriate position.

Description

description

PROCESS FOR WORKING WORKPIECES

The invention relates to a method for processing, in particular cutting, on a workpiece (7) applied graphics (17), in particular a graphics area, as described in the preamble of claim 1.

From the prior art, in particular US 6 619 167 A, US 6 619 168 A, US 6,672,187 A and US 6,772,661 A, system are already known in which one on a plate or Workpiece printed graphics will be cut out. In this case, first a processing job with a graphic or a graphic area and register marks on a display element, in particular a computer, is created and / or loaded. Subsequently, the graphics and the register mark are printed on a workpiece, whereupon the workpiece is positioned in a processing area of a processing device, in particular a laser plotter with an optical unit for detecting the register marks. After the machining process has been started, the workpiece, in particular the register marks, is detected or detected in order to determine the position and orientation of the workpiece, in particular the applied graphics or graphics area in the processing area of the laser plotter, whereupon the machining process for cutting out the graphics is carried out.

A disadvantage of the above-mentioned documents that the first-time positioning of the workpiece and the device on the display element, in particular on the computer, for the user is relatively expensive.

US 2013/180373 A1 describes a method for cutting a graphic applied to a workpiece, in which the graphic is displayed on a display device.

Furthermore, EP 1577048 A1 and JP 2011120178 A disclose a method for processing workpieces, with EP 1577048 A1 adjusting the engagement of the workpieces by means of an adjustment beam.

The object of the invention is to provide a method, a device for carrying out the method and a laser plotter, in which the handling, in particular the positioning of the workpiece is substantially improved. Another object is to remedy the disadvantages of the prior art as possible.

The object of the invention is achieved by a method in which after the machining process, the actual detected position of the recognition features and / or the associated graphics or the graphics area is displayed in the work area on the computer at the appropriate position.

The advantage here is that the user gets the immediate opportunity to improve the recognition for the next processing process.

But it is also a measure of advantage, in which the new location on the display element is displayed flashing or with a different color or inversely, as this error when inserting the user directly visible or the user easier the difference between the stored Can recognize the position and the last determined position.

In a measure in which a message for correcting the new position or position of the graphics or the graphics area is displayed on the display elements and / or the laser plotter, so that the new location is corrected for the next processing process upon confirmation, is in achieved in an advantageous manner that only on explicit request of the user a workpiece is repositioned, and so a once inaccurately inserted material has no negative effect on subsequent processing.

Another advantage is the measure in which at a manual correction during the

Processing process on the laser plotter to detect the first recognition feature that is defined on the display element in the working area position compared to the actual position in the processing area of the laser plotter, as this comparison is performed only with a manual correction, so that no correction allows an immediate start with a new machining process is.

The invention will now be described in the form of embodiments, wherein it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments or solutions.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device with a laser plotter and associated display element; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a partial section of the device with gela which processing job and inserted workpiece; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a partial section of the device with a laser pointer positioned on a detection feature; FIG. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a partial section of the device in which the graphics on the display element has been adapted to the position of the laser pointer; 5 shows a perspective view of a partial section of the device, in particular of the display elements, for determining the recognition features to be queried; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a partial section of the device with geän changed tool format; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a partial section of the device, in which the graphic is displayed on the display element to the actual position of the workpiece after a machining process. 8 is a perspective view of a partial section of the device for the

Use for engraving and / or cutting a workpiece.

Introductoryly it should be noted that in the different embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or identical component names, the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component names. Also, the location information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the described figure and are mutatis mutandis transferred to the new situation in a change in position. Also, individual features or combinations of features from the illustrated and described embodiments may represent separate inventive solutions.

In Fig. 1, a processing device 1, in particular a laser plotter 2, or laser engraver called, shown schematically, in which in a housing 3 at least one, in particular two radiation sources 4 in the form of lasers 5, 6 are arranged and operated. The lasers 5 and 6 preferably act alternately on the workpiece 7 to be machined, wherein the workpiece 7 is positioned in a processing area 8 of the laser plotter 2, in particular on a processing table 9. A laser beam 10 emitted by the radiation source 4 is transmitted via deflection elements 11 to at least one movable focusing unit 12 designed for both radiation sources 4, from which the laser beam 10 is deflected in the direction of the workpiece 7 and focused for processing. The control, in particular the position control of the laser beam 10 to the workpiece 7 via a software running in a control unit 13, wherein at an external component 14, in particular on a display element 15 in the form of a computer 15 or a control unit, a processing job 16 with a graph 17th and / or a text 18, created and / or loaded, which is transferred to the control unit 13 of the laser plotter 2 via a data link 19, from a stored database 20, a conversion of the transferred data, in particular the processing job 16 with the graph 17 and / or of the text 18, for controlling the individual elements of the laser plotter 2.

Furthermore, the laser plotter 2 input means 21, in particular direction keys 22 for moving and positioning the focus unit 12 and thus the laser beam 10 on. It is possible that additional additional input keys 21, for example in the form of a confirmation key 23 or the like are present. It is also possible for a display monitor 24 to be present on the processing device 1, on which, for example, the same functions and displays are displayed corresponding to the display element 15. This display monitor 24 can be designed as a touch monitor 24, so that the user can make the control or input by touching or makes this via the input means 21.

On a further detailed description of the mechanical structure of such a laser plotter 2 will not be discussed in more detail, since this is already known from the prior art, in particular from WO 1999/038643 A of the applicant, and can be taken from this. Of course, a structure of other known from the prior art laser plotter 2 is possible.

According to the invention it is now provided that a simplification of the control of the laser plotter 2 is created for the user in a special processing, in particular the handling of the positioning of the workpiece 7 is substantially improved, so that the operation is easier for the user and it Minimization of errors comes.

In order to increase the user-friendliness, it is provided that arranged on the display element 15 or the laser plotter 2 display monitor 24, a work area 25 with a laser position 26 corresponding to the processing area 8 of the laser plotter 2 and the position of the laser beam 10 of the laser 5, 6 and of the focusing unit 12, which is made visible by a conventional laser pointer 27 in the processing area 8. One or more of the same or different processing steps 16 (as shown schematically) can be loaded with the graphics 17 or a graphics area and associated recognition features 28 or can be created by the user, the graphics 17 or the graphics area with the recognition features 28 on the work area shown 25 are formed so that the graphics 17 or the graphics area to the laser position 26 or the laser position 26 to the graphics 17 and the graphics area is customizable. For this purpose, the user can make a corresponding adjustment on the laser plotter 2 via the input means 21 or the adjustment of the focusing unit 12 via an adjustment and / or control area 29 on the display element 15 or by simply moving the laser position 26 with a mouse or pointer of the computer 15th carry out. In addition, it is possible that in the processing area 8 of the laser plotter 2 means for positioning the workpiece 7, in particular positioning rails are arranged, so that the user when inserting the workpiece 7, the workpiece 7 can apply to these means and thus the workpiece 7 always approximately to the same Position is stored in the processing area 8.

2 to 4, a sequence for the handling of the laser plotter 2 for unwinding a machining process is now described schematically, in which now a partial section of the computer 15, in particular of the work area 25 shown therein, and a partial section of the laser plotter 2, in particular of the processing area 8, simplified and shown schematically, so that the process of the method will become apparent.

In this case, the user first creates a processing step 16 or loads an already created processing job 16. The processing job 16 includes a graphic 17 and a graphics area and recognition features 28 that are displayed on the external component 14, in particular the computer 15, on the work area 25, as shown in the work area 25 in FIG. 2. Subsequently, the detection features 28 and the graphics 17 or the graphics area are applied to the workpiece 7, wherein this can be done by, for example, printing on the workpiece 7. For this purpose, it is also possible that the application can be done independently of the computer 15 or the laser plotter 2 by other devices, in particular a printing press, but which processes the same processing job 16.

After the workpiece 7 has been printed, the workpiece 7 is arranged in the processing area 8 of the laser plotter 2 with an optical unit 30 for detecting the identification features 28 (see Fig. 2 processing table 9), which correspond to aids such as stop rails 34 a or same as means for positioning can be used. Subsequently, by starting the machining process, the detection or detection of the workpiece 7, in particular the recognition features 28, to determine the position and orientation of the workpiece 7, in particular the applied graphics 17 and the graphics area, in the processing area 8, ie an automatic position determination of the workpiece 7 is made. Subsequently, the machining process is carried out after successful recognition of the workpiece 7, in particular the graphic 17 or the graphics area, for which purpose preferably the graphic 17 is cut out by the laser 5 or 6, as is known from the prior art.

Since in such machining processes often different workpieces 7 with different formats or shapes and graphics 17 printed thereon must be processed, it is advantageous if the first-time positioning for the user is very easy and fast.

In this case, it is now provided according to the invention that for the positioning, in particular during the first implementation, the user after inserting the workpiece 7 (FIG. 2) in the processing area 8 of the laser plotter 2, the laser pointer 27 of the laser 5, 6, which is arranged on the focus unit 12 and is always present for security reasons, positioned on any identification feature 28, ie, that the user simply via the input means 21, in particular the direction keys 22, the laser pointer 27 moves such that this arbitrarily Aligned by the user selected identifier 28 or radiates on this, as shown in Fig. 3 can be seen. Subsequently, the user shifts the displayed on the display element 15 processing image of the graphics 17 and the graphics area with the associated recognition feature 28 on the display element 15 such that now the displayed on the display element 15 laser position 26 coincides with the marked with the laser pointer 27 recognition feature 28, as can be seen in Fig. 4. Thus, by simply moving the graphic 17 or vice versa by moving the laser position 26 on the display element 15 to the corresponding recognition feature 28, the position on the display element 15 and the laser plotter 2 are tuned so that when starting a machining process, the correct data, in particular the positions for the laser beam 10 can be determined and transmitted, so that the corresponding stored functions can be loaded and generated to the corresponding positions, as is known from the prior art for such machining processes.

For the detection of the workpiece 7 and the graphic 17, it is necessary that corresponding identification features 28 are present, which is detected by the laser plotter 2, in particular by an optical unit 30. The optical unit 30 is preferably formed from a camera which receives a certain area from the processing table 9, wherein corresponding adjustment options, such as the contrast, the brightness, the image size, etc., on the computer 15 can make. Preferably, the recognition features 28 are formed by register marks 31, as shown by circles, and / or graphic element 32, as indicated by a dashed circle in FIG. 4, and / or workpiece element 33, such as a center hole according to FIG. 4, wherein the register marks 31 are additionally applied, whereas the graphic elements 32 and / or workpiece elements 33 are selected and set from the graphic 17 or the graphic area or the illustrated workpiece 7. Since in the simplified handling method described the positioning takes place via the laser pointer 27, an automatic auto-corrector must be performed, since the optical unit 30 for recognizing the recognition features 28 does not coincide with the laser pointer position, ie, for detecting and Detecting the marking feature 28 marked with the laser pointer 27, the autocorrection is carried out, in which the optical unit 30 is positioned above this identification feature 28 by automatic movement of the focusing unit 12. Thus, the recognition unit 28 can be picked up by the optical unit 30 and at the same time checked as to whether the settings for recognition and evaluation work, ie after positioning the optical unit 30 receives the recognition feature 28 and a recognition is carried out to determine whether a smooth recognition is possible. To carry out the autocorrection, an adjustment path between the laser pointer 27 and the optical unit 30, in particular a center of the optical unit 30, is deposited, so that when exchanging the focusing unit 12, on which the optical unit 30 and the laser pointer 27 are arranged accordingly can be adapted to the new focusing unit 12. Of course, further required parameters can be stored and changed.

Basically, it should be mentioned that for detecting a recognition feature 28 of the laser plotter 2, the optical unit 30 moves to the predetermined position such that the recognition feature 28 within a definable search window 34, shown in phantom in Fig. 4, the optical unit 30 is arranged. However, it is not absolutely necessary that the recognition feature 28 must be arranged in the center, but this only at least partially but preferably completely this must be present in the search window 34 so that it is recognized as a recognition feature 28. If there is a shift to the center of the search window 34 or to a defined point in the search window 34, then the optical unit 30 and the laser 5, 6 or laser beam 10 coupled thereto are detected when the recognition feature 28 is detected within the search window 34 of the optical unit 30, that the recognition feature 28 is positioned in the center of the search window 34, or that upon recognition of the recognition feature 28 within the search window 34, the position of the recognition feature 28 is calculated to the center of the search window 34 or a starting position or defined point associated with the search window 34. If a shift to the center of the search window 34 is made, it is possible that a defined number of centering attempts for centering the recognition feature 28 are deposited in the search window 34, wherein subsequently the processing process is stopped and can be continued manually, that is, the number of Experiments are limited so that difficult to recognize recognition features 28 does not give rise to the possibility that the laser plotter 2 eternally tries to center. The user can thus intervene much faster in the editing process. In this case, it is also possible that, if a recognition feature 28 is not recognized by actuating an input means 21 on the laser plotter 2 or by activating a button on the display element 15, the unrecognized recognition feature 28 is skipped and the search process is continued at the next specified recognition feature 28 or manually corresponding detection feature 28 is set on the laser plotter 2 by driving via the input means 21, whereupon the machining process is continued. In addition, it is possible that when not recognizing a recognition feature 28 and a subsequent processing stop process an error correction of the laser position on the laser plotter 2 by operating input means 21, wherein the relative position of the laser position 26 to the graphics 17 and the graphic area and / or the identification feature 28 is displayed on the display elements 15, ie that, for example, the first recognition feature 28 is not recognized during the first search, so that the user can manually approach the first position, which is also displayed on the display element 15.

Often it is the case that after the first positioning or tuning the position in the laser plotter 2 to the computer 15, a further identical processing process must be performed. So that a high degree of user-friendliness is created here too, starting a new, identical processing process should be as simple as possible for the user. For this purpose, after the end of the machining process, the workpiece 7 is removed from the machining area 8 and a new workpiece 7 is inserted. The new workpiece 7 is thereby positioned at the same position as the previously machined workpiece 7, for which purpose means, in particular the stop rails 34a, for positioning the workpiece 7, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, are arranged in the processing area 8 of the laser plotter 2, whereupon the user closes a protective cover 35 for the processing area 8. The closing of the protective cover 35 is detected via a detection means 36, in particular a sensor contact, wherein for safety reasons without closing the protective cover 35 no operation of the laser 5, 6 may take place. Thus, after the user has closed the protective cover 35 and this was detected by the recognition means 36, a new processing process is started on the laser plotter 2 by activating an input means 21, in particular the confirmation means 23, so that the user does not now, as known from the prior art , the start of a new editing process on the computer 15 must perform, but can start directly on the laser plotter 2. Of course, it is possible that an independent input means 21 can be arranged and used.

However, due to a control according to the invention, it is also possible that automatically by closing the protective cover 35 for the processing area 8 on the laser plotter 2, a new machining process is started. This can be done insofar as a laser power for processing the workpiece 7 after recognition of the first identification feature 28, in particular a register mark 31 and / or a graphic element 32 and / or a workpiece element 33, is started or increased for the machining process, ie after closing the protective cover 35 first with reduced or switched off laser power, the first or a defined number of recognition feature 28 are approached and recognized, whereupon the laser power for processing, in particular for cutting, the workpiece 7 is increased. However, it is also possible that first all recognition features 28 are detected with reduced or switched off laser power, and only then, for the processing process, is the laser power increased according to the set values shortly before.

In such a procedure, it is advantageous if when activating a new machining process directly on the laser plotter 2 is stopped when not recognizing the first recognition feature 28 of the machining processes, which can happen, for example, when the workpiece 7 is placed in the wrong position , The user can then make a positioning by manually adjusting the directional keys 22 and continue the machining process by pressing the confirmation key 23. If the machining process is subsequently interrupted again, the user has the option of continuing the machining process by means of appropriate corrective measures.

In Fig. 5 is now a schematic representation of the sequence for determining the order of successive individually queried or to locate recognition features 28 is shown, for which purpose only a partial section of the display element 15 is shown with the loaded processing job 16.

In this case, after the preparation of the processing step 16 and before the start of the detection or detection of the workpiece 7, an analysis process for determining the sequence of sequentially queried recognition features 28 is performed. First, the graphic 17 or the graphic area is divided into a plurality of sectors 37, 38, 39, 40, in particular into four sectors 37, 38, 39, 40, for this purpose first a center 40a or center or an optimal sector point of the graphic 17 and the graphics area is determined and determined. The division into sectors 37, 38, 39, 40 is shown schematically by dotted lines in Fig. 5.

After the division into sectors 37, 38, 39, 40, the order of the recognition features to be queried 28 is now determined, wherein a first recognition feature 28 in the first sector 37 is determined and set as the first identifier to be queried, ie, preferably as the first Sector 37, 38, 39, 40 of the sector 37 is determined which has the shortest displacement of the focus unit 12 from a starting point or a Abstellposition 41, which is shown in the form of a circle in Fig. 5, and in this sector 37 now that first identification feature 28, in particular a first register mark 42, with the shortest travel path 43 determined by the parking position 41 and determined. Subsequently, a second feature to be interrogated identifier 28, in particular a second register mark 44, in a further sector 37, 38, 39, 40, in particular in the diagonal sector 40, determined and determined, preferably the shortest displacement 45 from the predetermined first register mark 42 for nearest detection feature 28 in the next sector 40 is determined. In this case, however, it is also possible that in the next sector 40, the determination of the nearest identification feature 28 can be carried out starting from the parking position 41. After the first register mark 42 and the second register mark 44 or the first and second recognition features 28 have been determined in the analysis process, subsequently the further recognition features 28 will preferably always be those recognition features 28 with the shortest adjustment path 46 of the laser 5, 6 or the focus unit 12 determined and determined, ie, that always the next located register mark 31 and the nearest located identification feature 28 is determined and thus the order for querying all recognition features 28 is determined. The order can be stored for the corresponding processing step 16, so that such an analysis process is performed only once when the processing step 16 is created.

Furthermore, it is provided that in a processing process after detection of the recognition features 28 corresponding images are stored or stored, which are called by appropriate selection or start with a mouse on the display element 15 or displayed, ie, that after the start of the processing process of the laser plotter 2 first the first recognition feature 28, so in this embodiment, the first register mark 42, anfährt and this with the optical unit 30 receives and analyzed accordingly. The image taken by the optical unit 30 is stored to the corresponding register mark 42 in the machining job 16, so that the user can retrieve this image during or after the machining process by simply clicking on the register mark 42, preferably followed by a new window appears with the saved image. This process for depositing the found images of the register marks 31, 42, 44 is preferably carried out at each new work process or processing process, so that at later times an analysis of the quality of the recorded register marks 31, 42, 44 can be performed and appropriate adjustments or Optimizations in the stored parameters for recognition features 28 can perform. It is possible that the images or images permanently in a memory or the database 20 to the individual processing processes, which are provided for example with a serial number, deposited or that the stored images or images are overwritten at each restart of a process , In this case, additional information, such as the detected position, deviations, recognition quality, etc., stored.

In Fig. 6 and 7, another embodiment of the invention for improving the handling for the user is shown. It is often the case that the format of the workpiece 7 or the scale of the graphic 17 changes, so that corresponding adjustments must be made if this shifts the position of the graphic 17.

For example, at the beginning of the workpiece 7 is processed as A4 size, so that the user during commissioning a corresponding setting, as in FIGS. 1 to 5 makes. If, however, the format of the workpiece 7 changes from, for example, A4 to A3 in the course of the work, the position of the graphic 17 on the workpiece 7 often changes, as can be seen in the processing area 8 of the laser plotter 2 in FIG. 6, ie, that in FIG 6, the user has now loaded the workpiece 7 in A3 format, with the graphic 17 printed on the workpiece 7 having shifted in position. The focus unit 12 drives, in particular with the search window 34 of the optical unit 30, the first position, that is, the first register mark 42, where it was located during the preceding machining process. This first register mark 42 is shown in dashed lines to recognize the previous position. The focus unit 12, in particular the optical unit 30 can now find no register mark 42 due to the change of the graphic position by the change of the workpiece format, whereupon the machining process is stopped. In the computer 15, however, the original position of the workpiece 7 in A4 format is still displayed.

As a result, after the start of the machining process, the first identification feature 28, in particular the first register mark 42, is not recognized and the machining process is automatically stopped, as can be seen in FIG. The user can now use the direction keys 22 on the laser plotter 2 to adjust the focusing unit 12 in such a way that the search window 34 of the optical unit 30 or the laser pointer 27 is positioned over the first identification feature 28, in particular the first register mark 42 of the new position, and thus this can be recognized, whereupon the machining process is continued. In principle, it should be mentioned that in the case of positioning and at the start of the process when a recognition feature 28 is not recognized in the search window 34, automatic correction is always carried out automatically and a second recognition attempt with corrected position of the optical unit 30 is made before the machining process is stopped. This allows the user to make without prior adjustment, make the positioning of the optical unit 30 or the laser pointer 27. Subsequently, as described above, by scanning and recognizing the further identification features 28, the position of the workpiece 7 and thus the position of the graphic 17 are determined so that subsequently the processing, in particular the cutting out of the graphic 17, can be carried out.

The new positions of the recognition features 28 are stored, so that after the machining process, the new positions are displayed on the computer 15, as shown in Fig. 17 can be seen, that after the processing or after the detection of the new position of the workpiece 7, the actual recognized position of the recognition features 28 and / or the associated graphics 17 or the graphics area in the work area 25 on the computer 15 is displayed at the appropriate position.

In this case, the new location on the display element 15 can be displayed flashing or with a different color or inversely or it is also possible that the old position or position is shown only with the recognition features 28 and the new location or position with the recognition features 28 and the graphic 17, as shown in Fig. 7, or vice versa. Preferably, a message 47 for correcting the new position or position of the graphic 17 or of the graphics area is displayed on the display elements 15 and / or on the laser plotter 2 so that upon confirmation, ie when pressing the input button "YES", the new location for the next processing is corrected, while at "NO", the new displayed position of the graphic 17 or the recognition features 28 is deleted and the original position is used for the next machining process.

It is essential in such an inventive approach that when manually corrected during the processing process on the laser plotter 2 for detecting preferably the first recognition feature 28, the position defined on the display element 15 in the working area 25 compared with the actual position in the processing area 8 of the laser plotter 2 becomes. If this results in significant changes, this is displayed to the user with corresponding messages 47, so that the user can easily accept these changes.

In Fig. 8 is a machining process or a method for engraving, marking, labeling and / or cutting of workpieces with applied graphics, in particular a graphics area, shown with the laser plotter 2, wherein the above-described procedures and methods also for the engraving or labeling is used.

As described above, first the creation and / or loading of the machining job 16 with a graphic 17 or a graphics area and recognition features 28 on the display element 15, in particular the computer 15. After the machining job 16 is completed, the workpiece 7, ie that the recognition features 28 and the graphic 17 or the graphics area on the workpiece 7 are applied to a base body or blank, in particular, this is done by printing the machining job 16 on the workpiece 7. The workpiece 7 becomes subsequently inserted in the processing area 8 of the laser plotter 2 with the optical unit 30 for detecting the identification features 28. After the start of the machining process, a detection or detection of 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 graphics 17 and the graphics area in the processing area 8, whereupon the complete machining process successful recognition of the workpiece 7, in particular the graphics 17 and the graphics area, is performed.

In order to be able to make an engraving or inscription on the workpiece 7, it is necessary that one or more engraving areas 48 are defined, which are set in the processing job 16 when the processing job 16 is created. The engraving areas 48 and / or inscription area are defined and stored as a function of the recognition features 28, or the engraving and / or inscription area 48 is defined and stored as a function of the graphic 17 or the graphics area, whereupon one or more of them are selected during the processing process Identification features 28, in particular of register marks 31, 42, 44 and / or graphic elements 32 or a part of the graphics and / or workpiece elements 33, a position of the recognition features 28 associated arrange engraving and / or labeling area 48 is detected.

It is essential in such a Laserplottern 2 that the engraving, the orientation of the workpiece 7 is taken into account, since the laser plotter 2, the focusing unit 12 is adjusted linearly in the horizontal and vertical directions. Thus, after detecting the position or orientation of the workpiece 7 and / or the graphic 17 or the graphics area, an engraving checking process is performed.

For this purpose, it is necessary that on the display element 15, in particular on the computer 15, or in a database 20 and the control unit 13 of the laser plotter 2 parameters, such as engraving angle deviation, orientation angle deviation, engraving depth, engraving width, etc., for the deviation of the optimally preferably horizontal and / or vertical orientation of the graphic 17 or of the graphic area and / or of the workpiece 7 is stored. Thus, it is possible that according to the training and the possible function of the Laserplotters 2, the necessary parameters can be set or awarded, so that, for example, in less powerful Laserplottern 2 only a horizontal engraving with low angular deviation of, for example, 1 to 3 ° can be adjusted, however For well-equipped Laserplottern 2 an engraving angle up to 45 ° or more is set. It is essential that an adaptation to the device or the laser plotter 2 can be made.

Thus, in the engraving verification process, these default values are taken into account, so that when a tolerance range of the specified parameters is exceeded, the engraving process is stopped, whereby it is of course possible for the user to release by means of a manual input and thus continue the process To enable engraving process.

The sequence for positioning and processing the workpiece 7 can be carried out as described above such that after inserting the workpiece 7 in the processing area 8, the laser pointer 27 of the laser 5, 6 is positioned on any register mark 31, whereupon on the display elements 15 shown processing image of the graphics 17 and the graphics area is shifted with the associated recognition features 28 on the display element 15 such that a displayed on the display element 15 laser position 26 coincides with the marked with the laser pointer 27 detection feature 28. After the creation of the machining job 16 and before the start of the detection or detection of the workpiece 7, an analysis process is again carried out for determining the sequence of the recognition features 28 to be queried one after the other, wherein the graphic 17 or the graphic area is divided into several sectors 37, 38, 39 , 40, in particular in four sectors 37, 38, 39, 40, wherein the first to be queried register mark 42 in the first sector 37 is determined and fixed, followed by a second to be queried register mark 44 in another sector 37, 38, 39, 40, In particular, in the diagonal sector 40, is determined and determined and then the other register marks 31 successively preferably always those register mark 31 with the shortest displacement path 46 of the laser 4, 6, determined and determined. It is also possible that after completion of the machining process, the workpiece 7 is removed from the processing area 8 and optionally a new workpiece 7 is inserted, whereupon by activation of an input means 21 on the laser plotter 2 or automatically by closing a protective cover 35 for the processing area 8 on the laser plotter 2 a new machining process is started, so that the work processes for several identical engravings can be accelerated. It is also possible that when a change in position of the graphics 17 a corresponding message 47 is generated, that after the processing process, the actual detected position of the recognition features 28 and / or the associated graphics 17 and the graphics area in the work area 25 on the implement 15 is displayed in the corresponding position.

For example, it is possible that with such a laser plotter 2 first an engraving in an engraving area 48 is made within or outside the graph 17, whereupon this graphic 17 is cut out of the workpiece 7 according to the stored default. Thus, with a laser plotter 2, the described training for positioning, detecting, processing of FIGS. 1 to 8 in a machining process can be performed. In particular, the control can be carried out in such a way that, for example, the laser 5 is used for engraving, wherein for cutting the graphic 17 from the workpiece 7, the further laser 6, which has, for example, a higher power is used. It is also possible that workpieces 7 are processed with different materials, the different areas with a variety of lasers 5, 6.

But it is also possible that by appropriate use of colors in the production of the machining job 16 easier recognition of different functions is possible. For example, it can be specified that the color "green" is used for the recognition features 28, the color "black" for cut lines, the color "blue" for engraving, etc. This defines and stores a simple and quick assignment of the different conditions or work process in the processing job 16. It is also possible that different parameters and / or functions can be assigned and stored for the different colors. This can be done for example in such a way that in the color "green", the laser power for both lasers 5, 6 is turned off or set to zero, whereas in the color "black" for cutting the workpiece 7, a corresponding value or the full laser power deposited is. Of course, it is also possible that the recognition features 28 may have different colors. This advantageously achieves, for example, control of the accuracy for the machining process by interrogating all the positioning recognition feature 28 for high accuracy, while disabling a specific color by the user with a low accuracy but higher speed can, thereby reducing the number of recognition features 28. Thus, due to the different colors used for the recognition features 28 different degrees of accuracy can be defined.

In the embodiments described above, it is also possible that special recognition features 28 are created and positioned, ie, that for example for the first and second different register marks 42, 44 (not shown) are used and the other register marks 31 again designed differently are. As a result, on the one hand it is achieved that the user can optically recognize which register mark 31, 42, 44 on the workpiece 7 is actuated first and second by the laser plotter 2. It is also simpler that, for example, in the positioning of the laser pointer 27, this is carried out on the first register mark 42, for example, by appropriate design of the shape and appearance of these register marks 42 to allow improved positioning and detection.

The use of recognition features 28 in the embodiments for the cutting out of the graphic 17 and the engraving of the graphic 17 has the advantage that on the one hand, the position of the workpiece 7 can be accurately determined and further possible distortions or scaling automatically detected and taken into account That is, with appropriate distortions and / or scaling automatically adjusted.

If, however, a workpiece 7 with a special shape, such as a cell phone, tablet computer, etc., inserted, so it is possible that the outer edges of the workpiece 7 or special characteristics are recognized by the optical unit 30 and this instead Register marks 31, 42, 44 are used. For this purpose, it is possible that this is defined in the processing job 16 or the corresponding products are deposited with the dimensions.

Moreover, it is possible in the embodiments described above, that with the laser pointer 27 approached positions can be stored, for this purpose, for example, a corresponding mode is selected or a corresponding input means 21 is provided. As a result, the user has the possibility that he inserts the workpiece 7 arbitrarily in the processing area 8 and then positioned with the laser pointer 27 on an identification mark 28 and stored by this position. After saving, the user can move the laser pointer 27 to a further recognition feature 28 and in turn store this position. If the user subsequently starts the machining process for engraving and / or cutting the workpiece 7, the laser plotter 2 and / or the computer 15 can perform a corresponding calculation for detecting the position of the workpiece 7 and process it. It is advantageous for a faster calculation if the user marks or stores a plurality of recognition features 28 and / or shifts the graphic 17 in such a way that it matches the first position, which is displayed on the computer 15, for example. It is also possible that all stored positions are displayed, so that the user himself can make a certain alignment and thus accelerates the position detection.

However, a function is also possible in which the user first assigns a specific recognition means 28 to a defined input means 21, in particular a "Ho-me key", on the computer 15, so that subsequently the user places the workpiece 7 in the processing area 8 inserted, the focusing unit 12 is set to the defined recognition feature 28 and by pressing the "Home button" now the graphics 17 is automatically moved to the laser position 26 on the display element 15.

If a device or a laser plotter 2 is operated without externally connected component 14, a processing job 16 can be loaded by means of external storage media 49, such as a USB stick, as shown schematically in FIG. 1. For this purpose, the user only needs to connect the storage medium to the laser plotter 2, so that a corresponding detection of one or more stored processing jobs 16 is performed, which are displayed on the display monitor 24 and selectable. However, if an external monitor is connected to the laser plotter 2, the processing jobs 16 are also displayed or only on these. However, it is also possible that, despite connected computer 15, the storage medium 49 is connected to the processing job 16 on the laser plotter 2, so that the computer 15 accesses the storage medium 49, in particular the USB stick, via the laser plotter 2. That a direct access to the storage medium 49 is possible if the storage medium 49 is connected directly to the display element 15 and the computer 15, of course.

For the sake of the order, it should finally be pointed out that for a better understanding of the construction of the system 1 and its components or their components, they have been shown partly unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the illustrated and described different embodiments may form separate, inventive or inventive solutions.

Claims (4)

claims 1. A method for processing, in particular cutting, a graphic (17) applied to a workpiece (7), in particular a graphic area, comprising the following steps: - generating and / or loading a machining process (16) with a graphic (17) or a graphics area and recognition features (28) on a display element (15), in particular a computer; Applying the identification features (28) and the graphic (17) or the graphics area on 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 identification features (28); Detecting 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 the applied graphic (17) or the graphic area, in the processing area; Carrying out the machining process after successful recognition of the workpiece (7), in particular the graphic (17) or the graphics area, characterized in that after the machining process the actual detected position of the identification features (28) and / or the associated graphics (17) or ., the graphics area in the work area (25) on the computer (15) is displayed at the corresponding position. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the new position on the display element (15) is shown flashing or with a changed color or inversely. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on the display elements (15) and / or on the laser plotter (2) a message (47) for correcting the new position or position of the graphic (17) or of the graphics area is displayed so that when confirmed, the new location for the next machining process is corrected. 4. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at a manual correction during the machining process on the laser plotter (2) for detecting the first recognition feature (28) on the display element (15) in the working area (25) defined position with the actual position in the processing area (8) of the laser plotter (2) is compared.