JP2006247715A - Laser marking apparatus, and bar code printing method using it - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the generation of the discrepancy between both printed contents when printing human readable letters on a bar code by means of a laser marking apparatus, and further to shorten the time necessary for setting the printed contents. <P>SOLUTION: When the human readable characters corresponding to a bar code are set to a second printing block after the printed content of the bar code has been set to a first printing block, the human readable letters corresponding to the bar code are automatically formed by referring to the first printing block. In the case of composite codes in which a plurality of bar codes are combined, the human readable letters corresponding to the bar code additionally selected by referring to the first printing block in the second printing block and a third printing block are individually formed and set. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a laser marking device for marking characters, symbols, and the like on the surface of an object using laser light, and a barcode printing method using the same.

  The laser marking device uses a laser beam emitted from a carbon dioxide laser or YAG laser to heat the surface of an object such as resin, wood, metal, etc., and locally discolors or deforms the surface so that characters, symbols, figures, etc. Marking (hereinafter referred to as printing) is performed. In the case where printing is performed at a plurality of locations on the object, printing contents such as the type, size, position, direction, line width, etc. of characters to be printed are set for each printing location (hereinafter referred to as a printing block).

  Such a laser marking device is also suitably used for printing a bar code or a two-dimensional code (hereinafter collectively referred to as a bar code) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, as shown in FIG. 16, barcode printing is normally performed by dividing the barcode into a barcode main body 101 and a human readable character 102 attached in the vicinity thereof. The human readable character 102 represents the content of the barcode as a character string such as a number that can be recognized by a person. In the laser marking apparatus, from the viewpoint of printing efficiency and the like, the printing contents are set using the barcode body 101 and the human readable character 102 as individual printing blocks.

  For example, some human readable characters are defined as a set with a barcode body, such as a JAN code or an EAN code, but some barcodes are not defined for human readable characters. On the other hand, even in such a barcode, there is a need for a person to visually confirm the content of the barcode, and human readable characters corresponding to the barcode are set as a separate block and printed.

  A laser marking device usually includes a head portion and a controller portion, and a laser oscillator and a laser deflection device (galvanomirror) are built in the head portion. The controller unit includes a control microcomputer and a memory for storing setting information and font data. The setting information includes information such as the type, size, position, and direction of characters to be printed.

Setting information given to the controller unit from the console or an external computer is temporarily stored in the memory. The microcomputer of the controller unit reads the setting information from the memory at a predetermined timing and generates development information. That is, development information including line segment data and laser control data for defining a locus to be traced by the laser beam is generated from the setting information relating to the print contents and the font data. The generated development information is transferred from the controller unit to the head unit in accordance with a print execution command. In the head unit, the galvanometer mirror is controlled based on the line segment data included in the received development information, and laser on / off control is performed based on the laser control data. Thus, printing is performed on the surface of the object with the laser beam.
JP 2001-113758 A

  As mentioned above, when printing barcodes with a laser marking device, it is necessary to set the printing block of the barcode body and the printing block of human-readable characters individually and set the printing contents for each printing block. There is. For example, when the work to be printed is changed by changeover and the bar code print contents are changed, the print contents of both the bar code print block and the human readable character print block must be changed. When the print contents are automatically instructed by communication from an external computer, it is necessary to perform communication for both print blocks, so the print tact time is increased accordingly.

  In addition, when manually changing the print contents, there is a possibility of forgetting to change the print contents of one of the barcode main body print block and the human readable character print block due to human error. Alternatively, there is a possibility that wrinkles occur in the print contents after changing both print blocks. In particular, such a problem is likely to occur when a composite code combining a plurality of types of barcodes is printed.

  Further, in the case of a bar code including a check digit, it is necessary to obtain the check digit by calculation and add it to the print contents of the human readable character. Furthermore, when the bar code print contents are contents that change for each work to be printed, such as serial number and date / time information, the check digit also changes for each work, which is difficult to realize.

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, the present invention prevents the occurrence of wrinkles between the two print contents when printing with a laser marking device with human-readable characters on the barcode, and sets the print contents. The purpose is to shorten the time required for this.

  The bar code printing method according to the present invention uses a laser marking device that performs laser beam printing on the surface of an object by two-dimensionally deflecting laser light emitted from a laser light source with a deflecting device. A method for printing a readable character, wherein (a) a step of setting a barcode print content in a first print block, and (b) a human readable character corresponding to the barcode is set in a second print block. And (c) generating development information composed of line segment data and laser control data defining a trajectory that the laser beam should follow from setting information of the first print block and the second print block; (D) A laser beam deflection control and an on / off control are performed according to the development information in accordance with the print start command. And a step, in the step (b), by referring to the first print block, characterized by automatically generating a human readable characters corresponding to the bar code.

  In a preferred configuration of the barcode printing method of the present invention, when the barcode printing content set in the first printing block is a composite code combining a plurality of types of barcodes, When referring to one printing block, human readable characters corresponding to one selected barcode among the plurality of types of barcodes are automatically generated.

  For example, when printing a composite code in which a two-dimensional bar code and a one-dimensional (linear) bar code are vertically combined on a first print block, the lower one-dimensional bar is referenced with reference to the first print block. If a code is selected, the corresponding human readable character is automatically generated. Then, the human readable character can be set as the second print block.

  According to a more preferable configuration of the barcode printing method of the present invention, a human readable character corresponding to a barcode further selected from the other barcodes not selected in the step (b) is automatically generated. The method further includes the step of setting the character in the third print block.

  For example, when printing a composite code in which a two-dimensional barcode and a one-dimensional (linear) barcode are combined vertically on the first print block, the lower one-dimensional barcode is supported as the second print block. The human readable character can be automatically generated and set, and the human readable character corresponding to the upper two-dimensional barcode can be automatically generated and set as the third print block.

  A laser marking device according to the present invention is a laser marking device that performs laser beam printing on the surface of an object by two-dimensionally deflecting laser light emitted from a laser light source with a deflecting device, and print contents of a plurality of print blocks Setting information input means for inputting setting information regarding, a processing device for generating development information composed of line segment data and laser control data defining a locus to which the laser beam should follow from the setting information, and according to the development information A control unit that performs laser beam deflection control and on / off control, and the setting information input unit corresponds to the bar code by referring to the first print block in which the bar code print content is set. Automatically generates a human readable character to be set and sets the human readable character in the second print block Characterized in that it has a capability.

  In a preferred configuration of the laser marking device of the present invention, when the barcode printing content set in the first printing block is a composite code combining a plurality of types of barcodes, the setting information input means When referring to the first print block, a human readable character corresponding to one selected barcode among the plurality of types of barcodes is automatically generated.

  For example, when printing a composite code in which a two-dimensional bar code and a one-dimensional (linear) bar code are vertically combined on a first print block, the lower one-dimensional bar is referenced with reference to the first print block. If a code is selected, the corresponding human readable character is automatically generated. Then, the human readable character can be set as the second print block.

  In a further preferred configuration of the laser marking device according to the present invention, the setting information input means is a human readable code corresponding to a barcode further selected from the other unselected barcodes among the plurality of types of barcodes. It has a function of automatically generating characters and setting the human readable characters in a third print block.

  For example, when printing a composite code in which a two-dimensional barcode and a one-dimensional (linear) barcode are combined vertically on the first print block, the lower one-dimensional barcode is supported as the second print block. The human readable character can be automatically generated and set, and the human readable character corresponding to the upper two-dimensional barcode can be automatically generated and set as the third print block.

  According to the laser marking device and the barcode printing method using the laser marking device of the present invention, when a laser marking device is used to print a barcode with human-readable characters, the barcode set as an individual printing block and the barcode It is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of wrinkles in the printed content with the corresponding human readable characters. In addition, regardless of manual setting or automatic setting, it is possible to shorten the time required for setting the print contents.

  In particular, when the barcode printing content is a composite code combining multiple types of barcodes, it is easy to automatically generate human readable characters corresponding to each barcode and set them to individual printing blocks. Thus, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles in the printed contents of the barcode and the human readable character corresponding thereto.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a laser marking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The laser marking device includes a head unit 1 and a controller unit 2, both of which are connected by a cable 4. A console 3 using a liquid crystal display and a touch panel is connected to the controller unit 2 by a cable 5. The head unit 1 includes a laser oscillator 11 and a laser deflection device 12.

  The laser oscillator 11 is a laser tube using a carbon dioxide gas laser or a YAG laser. The laser deflection device 12 includes a two-dimensional galvanometer mirror 12a and a condenser lens (fθ lens) 12b. The laser beam LB emitted from the laser oscillator 11 is deflected in the X direction and the Y direction (two-dimensionally) by the galvano mirror 12a and is condensed on the surface of the work (workpiece) WK by the condenser lens 12b. In this way, desired characters and symbols can be printed on the surface of the workpiece WK.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the laser marking apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The head unit 1 includes a line receiver 13, a data restoration / timing adjustment unit 14, a D / A converter 15, and a galvano control unit 16 in addition to the laser oscillator 11 and the laser deflection device 12. The data restoration / timing adjustment unit 14 and the galvano control unit 16 mainly constitute a control unit that performs laser beam deflection control and on / off control in accordance with development information to be described later.

  The controller unit 2 includes a processing unit (MPU) 21, a setting information memory 22, a basic character line segment information memory 23, a development information memory 24, and a line driver 25. The processing device 21 stores the setting information related to the print contents received from the console 3 in the setting information memory 22, and generates the development information from the setting information and stores the information in the development information memory 24. Note that the process of generating the development information from the setting information or the like is referred to as a development process.

  The setting information memory 22 is constituted by a non-volatile memory such as a battery-backed SRAM or EEPROM, and can retain the stored contents even when the power is turned off. The setting information stored in the memory includes information on print contents such as the type, size, position, and direction of characters or marks to be printed.

  The basic character / line segment information memory 23 is also composed of a non-volatile memory such as an SRAM or EEPROM backed up by a battery, and can retain the stored contents even when the power is turned off. In this memory, basic characters such as various characters and marks used for printing and basic line segment information (basic character line segment information) are stored. By managing this basic character / line segment information as common data for printing contents, the amount of information of each setting information can be reduced. Accordingly, the basic character line segment information stored in the basic character line segment information memory 23 is referred to when the development information is generated from the setting information.

  As the development information memory 24, a volatile memory (DRAM) that can store a large amount of information at a low cost although the stored contents disappear when the power is turned off is used. Development information generated from the setting information and basic character line segment information is temporarily stored in the development information memory 24, and laser light deflection control and on / off control for printing are executed based on this development information. The The development information is time-series data composed of a plurality of bits including line segment data defining a locus that the laser beam should follow for printing and laser control data for laser on / off control.

  The console 3 includes a slot in which the memory card 31 can be attached and detached and a read / write interface. Setting information related to the print contents input from the console 3 can be stored in the memory card 31 and read out and transmitted to the controller unit 2 when necessary. In addition, setting information created by an external computer or the like can be transferred from the console 3 to the controller unit 2 via the memory card 31.

  It is also possible to connect a personal computer 32 to the controller unit 2. As a connection interface, an RS232C serial port, a parallel port, a USB port, an IEEE 1394 port, or the like is used. By using dedicated software installed in the personal computer 32, setting information for the controller unit 2 can be created and managed using the screen of the personal computer 32, a full keyboard, a mouse, or the like. That is, the personal computer 32 can have a function equivalent to or higher than the function of the console 3. Therefore, the console 3 or the personal computer 32 corresponds to setting information input means.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the unfolding process executed by the processing device 21 of the controller unit 2 of the laser marking device. In step # 101, the processing device 21 reads setting information from the setting information memory 22. In subsequent step # 102, the font data read from the basic character line segment information memory 23 is referred to, and the print characters and symbols included in the setting information are decomposed into a plurality of continuous processing curves (including straight lines). Each continuous processing curve is a continuous curve that moves the laser beam spot while continuously outputting the laser beam as in a single stroke.

  One continuous processing curve is represented as a set of a plurality of coordinates (corresponding to line segment data) for controlling the two-dimensional galvanometer mirror 12a of the laser deflecting device 12 at regular intervals. That is, one continuous machining curve is approximated by a plurality of line segments connected at a plurality of coordinates (bending points). Further, the movement (deflection) from the end of one continuous processing curve to the start of the next continuous processing curve is performed in a state where the output of laser light is stopped (zero power).

  In the next step # 103, a plurality of continuous machining curves are rearranged. The processing order of the continuous processing curves is selected so that the movement of the laser light spot is most efficient, that is, the total moving distance including the zero power movement between the continuous processing curves is the shortest. In the subsequent step # 104, a movement path (line segment with a laser output of zero) from the end of one continuous processing curve to the start of the next continuous processing curve is generated and added.

  For example, the letter “B” can be drawn with one continuous processing curve like a single stroke. On the other hand, since the letter “A” cannot be drawn with a single stroke, it is decomposed into a first continuous machining curve (straight line) “∧” and a second continuous machining curve (straight line) “−”. In this case, a movement path from the end of the first continuous machining curve (straight line) “∧” to the beginning of the second continuous machining curve (straight line) “−” is generated and added. This movement path is also expressed as a set of a plurality of coordinate points (line segment data) for controlling the two-dimensional galvanometer mirror 12a of the laser deflecting device 12 at regular intervals.

  In subsequent step # 105, development information including time-series line segment data (X coordinate and Y coordinate data) and laser control data (laser output ON / OFF distinction) is generated. In this way, the generated expansion information is temporarily written in the expansion information memory 24 in the next step # 106, and the expansion processing is completed.

  Thereafter, the processing device 21 reads the development information designated from the development information memory 24 in accordance with the print execution command, and transmits the development information to the head unit 1 via the line driver 25. As shown in FIG. 2, in the head unit 1 that has received the development information via the line receiver 13, the data restoration / timing adjustment unit 14 controls on / off of the laser oscillator 11 based on the laser control data included in the development information. And the data corresponding to the moving amount of the laser beam obtained from the line segment data is given to the D / A converter 15.

  The D / A converter 15 converts the data corresponding to the movement amount into an analog voltage and gives it to the galvano controller 16. The galvano controller 16 drives the two-dimensional galvanometer mirror 12a of the laser deflection device 12 in accordance with the applied analog voltage, thereby moving the beam spot of the laser beam to a predetermined position. In this way, the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillator 11 is sequentially deflected by the laser deflecting device 12, and the beam spot of the laser beam moves on the surface of the workpiece WK, so that desired characters, symbols, etc. are formed on the surface of the workpiece WK. Is printed.

  Next, the details of the setting information and the expansion information generated from the setting information by the expansion processing will be described. The setting information roughly includes three items: a) setting information (system information) of the entire laser marking apparatus, b) common setting information, and c) block information.

  a) Setting information (system information) of the entire laser marking device includes current time setting information, laser printing start timing, communication baud rate, printing position, and angle correction information.

  b) Setting common information is setting information common to a plurality of printing blocks, and includes trigger ready information that is a waiting time from a print execution command to actual printing start, a printing direction, and the number of continuous printing (number of works WK to be printed). And the designation of the target character for high-speed character change.

  c) Block information is information that can be set for each print block. Character placement method (horizontal writing, vertical writing, placing outside or inside along an arc), uniform placement designation, block coordinates, printing block angle, font Includes type, character string, character size, character spacing, character angle, bold line width, bold line number, print power, print scan speed, and run-up length.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the flow of data in processing from the input of print settings by the user to the start of printing. In FIG. 4, an input value 41 for print setting corresponds to the setting information stored in the setting information memory 22 described above. The basic character line segment information 42 is information stored in the basic character line segment information memory 23 described above. From these pieces of information, character coordinate information 43, information 44 such as printing power / speed, and post-processed character line segment information 45 are generated by development processing. The development information including these pieces of information is stored in a print time reference memory 46 corresponding to the development information memory 24 described above. The expanded information stored in the reference memory 46 at the time of printing is transferred to the scanner / laser management hardware register 47 and the scanner / laser management hardware FIFO memory 48 in accordance with the print start command.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing from the input of print settings by the user to the start of printing. In step # 201, the user inputs print settings. That is, the setting information including the above-described system information, setting common information, and block information is input. In the subsequent step # 202, print information expansion processing is performed, and the print order is determined. At this time, the character coordinate information 43, the printing power / speed information 44, and the processed character line segment information 45 shown in FIG. 4 are generated. More specifically, according to the character size, run length, and bold line width entered by the user, enlargement / reduction of characters defined by basic character line segment information, addition of run-up line segments, and thickening processing (when necessary) Execute.

  The expanded information generated in step # 202 is temporarily stored in the print time reference memory 46 (the expanded information memory 24) (step # 203). Thereafter, it waits for the user to input a print start command from the console 3 or the personal computer 32 (step # 204). If a print execution command is input, the update information such as time, date, rank, etc. is determined as necessary in step # 205, and then, in step # 206, the development information is stored in the scanner / laser management hardware (register 47 and FIFO). Transferred to the memory 48). If the update content is not included in the print contents, the development information read from the reference memory 46 at the time of printing is directly transferred to the scanner / laser management hardware.

  The update character is a print character such as time, date, rank, serial number, and the like. For example, the update character corresponds to a case where serial numbers printed on a plurality of workpieces WK increase by one. If there is an updated character, the user explicitly instructs it by the print setting input in step # 201, and all characters (for example, numbers 0 to 9) that may be used for printing are expanded in step # 202. Processing is performed. The time and deadline printing is calculated when a print start command is input.

  When the development information is transferred to the scanner / laser management hardware as described above, printing is started (step # 207). Specifically, a print start command in the hardware is issued when accumulation of development information in the scanner / laser management hardware register 47 and FIFO memory 48 is completed, or when there is no free space in the FIFO memory. Printing is started. If there is a remaining development information when there is no free area in the FIFO memory 48, the transfer of the development information is temporarily interrupted, and the expansion information is obtained when the empty area of the FIFO memory 48 is halved as a result of printing. Transfer is resumed.

  For example, when the same character string is printed on a plurality of workpieces WK, the processing from step # 201 to step # 203 is executed when the first workpiece WK is printed, and from the step # 204 on the second and subsequent workpieces WK. The processing up to step # 207 is repeated. That is, as long as there is no change in the print contents, it is not necessary to execute the processing from step # 201 to step # 203. Even if the print contents are partially changed, if the print character to be changed is an update character such as time, date, rank, serial number, etc., when printing the first work WK, Expansion processing is performed for all characters that may be used for printing as update characters (step # 202). Therefore, as long as the print contents other than the update character do not change, the processes from step # 204 to step # 207 need only be repeated for the second and subsequent workpieces WK.

  Next, bar code (including two-dimensional code) printing by the laser marking apparatus as described above will be described. Here, in particular, a description will be given of a method of printing by setting a bar code related to the present invention and a human readable character corresponding thereto as individual print blocks. The barcode printing itself is basically the same as the printing of other characters and symbols, but a characteristic of barcode printing is a cell or module painting process. This is a process in which a bar code (including a two-dimensional code) is configured as a combination of minimum units (blocks) called cells or modules, and each cell or module is filled by scanning with a laser beam. This process itself is well known, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 16, barcode printing is performed by dividing the barcode body 101 into human-readable characters 102 attached to the barcode body 101 and its vicinity (below the barcode body 101 in the example of FIG. 16). . The human readable character 102 represents the content of the barcode as a character string such as a number that can be recognized by a person. The bar code in FIG. 16 is an example of a single bar code, but there is another type called a composite code in which a plurality of types of bar codes are combined as shown in FIG. In this example, a one-dimensional barcode 103 arranged on the lower side and a two-dimensional barcode 104 arranged on the upper side are combined to form a composite code. In this case, the human readable character 105 corresponding to the lower one-dimensional barcode 103 is usually printed on the lower side, and the human readable character 106 corresponding to the upper two-dimensional barcode 104 is printed on the upper side. Done.

  In the laser marking device of the present embodiment, when setting the barcode and the human readable character corresponding to the barcode as individual print blocks, it is possible to surely prevent the occurrence of wrinkles between the print contents of both and to reduce the time required for the setting. It can be shortened. Hereinafter, an example of a specific setting method will be described.

  As Example 1, an example of a procedure for setting the barcode exemplified in FIG. 16 and the corresponding human readable character as individual print blocks will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9 show a simplified screen interface when setting the print contents of each print block using the console 3 or the personal computer 32. In the screen 51 shown in each figure, the print sample display area 52 surrounded by the left square displays characters, symbols, barcodes, and the like set as print contents in a form close to the actual print state. Is done. On the right side, an input area 53 is provided for specifying a print block, the type of characters to be printed on the print block, print contents, print conditions, and the like.

  First, in FIG. 6, a print block number (“000” in the illustrated example) is set in the “block number” column 54 above the input area 53. This number can be directly input from the console 3 or the keyboard of the personal computer 32, and can be increased or decreased by clicking the left and right arrow buttons with a mouse or the like. A character string is set in the “Type” setting field below, but a logo, a figure, or the like can also be set. Further, in the lower character input column 55, the content of the barcode to be printed (numeric or alphabetic character string) is input from a keyboard or the like. If the “Human” button 56 under the button is clicked, a human readable character string corresponding to the barcode of the set print block can be acquired. Details thereof will be described later. The “separation” button is used to input a plurality of types of barcode delimiters when setting a composite code to be described later. The “update character insertion” button is used when inputting an update character such as the serial number and date / time information described above.

  In the column 57 for setting the type of print data and the like below, first, each of the print data (type) tab, the size / position tab, and the print condition tab is selected, and each setting is performed. Can do. In the example shown in the figure, the print data tab is selected, and here, any one of characters, bar codes, two-dimensional codes, and composite codes can be selected as the type of print data. In addition, when there is a more detailed classification in each type, it can be selected from the pull-down menu in the type column. In the illustrated example, a barcode is selected, and RSS 14 is selected as its type. In the print data tab, there is a line type setting field below the print data type field. In the case of barcodes, the module width, print line width, and linear code (one-dimensional barcode) are high. Etc. can be set.

  The print contents set in the input area 53 as described above are displayed in the print sample display area 52. In the illustrated example, a barcode print sample 58 set as described above is displayed. Note that if each setting content in the input area 53 is changed, the display of the print sample 58 also changes accordingly.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the print contents of human readable characters are set in another print block. In the example shown in the figure, the setting value in the “block number” field 54 is incremented to 001, and the print content of the human readable character is set in this print block. In the character input field 55, instead of inputting a character string to be printed from a keyboard or the like, a “human” button 56 is clicked. As a result, a human readable character acquisition window 61 appears. In this window, an input is made to the reference block 62 in which printing of a bar code for which human readable characters are to be acquired is set. In this example, 000 is input to the input field of the reference block 62 in order to acquire the human readable character of the barcode set in the print block of the block number “000”. The input field of the reference code 63 below is used for a composite code described later, but is not used in this example. Therefore, when 000 is input in the input field of the reference block 62, the human readable character corresponding to the barcode set in the block number “000” is displayed in the acquired character field 64.

  The human readable character corresponding to the set barcode is automatically obtained (generated) by the console 3 or the processing unit of the personal computer 32 corresponding to the setting information input means. When the bar code includes an update character, specific numerical data corresponding to the update character is generated with reference to a counter (in the case of a serial number) or a real time clock (in the case of date / time information). When a check digit is included, a specific numerical value of the check digit is generated by calculation.

  As described above, when the human readable character is displayed in the acquired character column 64 and the “add” button 65 is clicked, the acquired human readable character is displayed in the character input column 55 as shown in FIG. Is done. In addition, according to the character data type, type, line type, size / position, and print conditions set in the column 57 for setting the type of print data, a human-readable character print sample 66 is displayed in the print sample display area 52. Is displayed. Similar to the barcode print sample 58, if the respective setting contents in the input area 53 are changed, the display of the human readable character print sample 66 is also changed accordingly.

  The human readable character print sample 66 displayed in the print sample display area 52 can change the print position and the size (scale) of the entire character string by a drag operation using a pointing device such as a mouse. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, a human readable character 66 having an appropriate size can be arranged and printed under the barcode 58. In FIG. 9, the setting value in the “block number” column 54 is incremented to 002 in preparation for the setting of the next print block.

  As Example 2, an example of a procedure for setting the composite code exemplified in FIG. 17 and a plurality of human readable characters corresponding thereto as individual print blocks will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 10 to 15 show simplified screen interfaces when setting the print contents of each print block using the console 3 or the personal computer 32. Since the configuration of each figure is similar to the configuration of FIGS. 6 to 9 referred to in the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as much as possible.

  First, in FIG. 10, a composite code is set in the print block with the block number “000”. In the column 57 for setting the type of print data, the composite code is selected as the type of print data, and RSS14CC-A is selected as the type. In the character input column 55, a character string of a one-dimensional barcode and a character string of a two-dimensional barcode constituting a composite code to be printed are input with a delimiter “% n” interposed therebetween. The delimiter “% n” is entered by clicking the “delimiter” button 59. In the line type column in the column 57 for setting the type of print data, etc., the module width, print line width, linear code (one-dimensional bar code) height, separator height, and two-dimensional (2D) The barcode height is set. The print sample 60 of the composite code set in the input area 53 as described above is displayed in the print sample display area 52.

  The composite code (print sample) 60 is configured by combining a one-dimensional barcode 60a disposed on the lower side and a two-dimensional barcode 60b disposed on the upper side. Note that if each setting content in the input area 53 is changed, the display of the print sample 60 also changes accordingly.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the print content of human readable characters is set in another print block. First, the print content of the former human readable character of the one-dimensional barcode 60a and the two-dimensional barcode 60b constituting the composite code 60 is set in the print block of the block number “001”. As in the first embodiment, when the “human” button 56 is clicked, a human readable character acquisition window 61 appears. Here, 000 is set in the input field of the reference block 62, and a linear code (one-dimensional bar code) is selected from the pull-down menu 68 in the input field of the reference code 63. As a result, the human readable character corresponding to the one-dimensional barcode 60a constituting the composite code 60 set to the block number “000” is displayed in the acquired character column 64. As described in the first embodiment, human readable characters are automatically acquired (generated) by the processing unit (microprocessor) of the console 3 or the personal computer 32.

  When the “Add” button 65 is clicked with the human readable character displayed in the acquired character column 64, the acquired human readable character is displayed in the character input column 55 as shown in FIG. Further, according to the character data type, type, line type, size / position, and print conditions set in the column 57 for setting the type of print data, a human-readable character print sample 69 is displayed in the print sample display area 52. Is displayed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the print content of the human readable character of the two-dimensional barcode 60 b constituting the composite code 60 is set in the print block of the block number “002”. When “002” is set in the block number and the “Human” button 56 is clicked again, a human readable character acquisition window 61 appears. Here, 000 is set in the input field of the reference block 62, and a 2D code (two-dimensional barcode) is selected from the pull-down menu 68 in the input field of the reference code 63. As a result, the human readable character corresponding to the two-dimensional barcode 60b constituting the composite code 60 set to the block number “000” is displayed in the acquired character column 64.

  When the “add” button 65 is clicked in this state, the acquired human readable character is displayed in the character input column 55 as shown in FIG. In addition, according to the character data type, type, line type, size / position, and print conditions set in the column 57 for setting the type of print data, the human readable character print sample 70 is displayed in the print sample display area 52. Is displayed.

  The printable samples 69 and 70 of human readable characters displayed in the print sample display area 52 can change the print position and the size (scale) of the entire character string by a drag operation using a pointing device such as a mouse. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the human readable character 69 corresponding to the one-dimensional barcode 60a constituting the composite code 60 is arranged in an appropriate size, and the corresponding human-readable character 69 is placed on the two-dimensional barcode 60b. The readable character 70 can be arranged in an appropriate size. In FIG. 15, the setting value in the “block number” column 54 is incremented to 003 in preparation for the setting of the next print block.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention may be implemented in a form in which these embodiments are further modified. For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the case where the user sets the bar code print content and the corresponding human readable character print content from the screen of the console 3 or the personal computer 32 has been described. Even when the print contents are automatically updated from an external computer at a predetermined timing in accordance with the setting information including characters, human readable characters can be generated and printed by the same processing. In this case, as described above, specific numerical data corresponding to the updated character is generated by referring to the counter and the real-time clock, and the specific numerical value of the check digit is obtained by calculation to obtain a human readable character. Such processing may be configured to be executed by the processing device 21 of the controller unit 2 in place of the processing unit of the console 3 or the personal computer 32.

  In the above embodiment, the barcode and the composite code have been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a two-dimensional code or the like. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the composite code in which two types of barcodes (one-dimensional barcode and two-dimensional barcode) are combined has been described as an example. However, the present invention is also applied to composite codes in other combinations. Can do. The present invention can also be applied to a composite code in which three or more types of bar codes are combined.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the head part 1 and the controller part 2 are isolate | separated and both are connected by the communication cable, this invention is a laser marking apparatus with which the head part and the controller part were comprised integrally. It can also be applied to.

It is a schematic block diagram of the laser marking apparatus which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the laser marking apparatus which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the expansion | deployment process which the processing apparatus of the controller part of a laser marking apparatus performs. It is a block diagram which shows the flow of the data in the process from the input of the printing setting by a user to printing start. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process from the input of the printing setting by a user to printing start. FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating a procedure for setting the print contents of a barcode and a human readable character corresponding to the barcode according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating a procedure for setting the print contents of a barcode and a human readable character corresponding to the barcode according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram (No. 3) illustrating the setting procedure of the print contents of the barcode and the human readable character corresponding thereto in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram (No. 4) illustrating the setting procedure of the print contents of the barcode and the human readable character corresponding thereto in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating a setting procedure of print contents of a composite code and a human readable character corresponding to the composite code in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating the setting procedure of the print contents of the composite code and the human readable character corresponding thereto in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 3) illustrating the setting procedure of the print contents of the composite code and the human readable character corresponding thereto in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram (part 4) illustrating the setting procedure of the print contents of the composite code and the human readable character corresponding to the composite code according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram (No. 5) illustrating the setting procedure of the print contents of the composite code and the human readable character corresponding to the composite code according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram (No. 6) illustrating the setting procedure of the print content of the composite code and the human readable character corresponding thereto in the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of printing of a barcode and the human readable character corresponding to it. It is a figure which shows the example of printing of a composite code and the human readable character corresponding to it.

Explanation of symbols

3, 32 Setting information input means 11 Laser oscillator (laser light source)
12 Laser deflection device (deflection device)
14, 16 Control unit 21 Processing device

Claims (6)

A method of printing barcodes and corresponding human readable characters using a laser marking device that performs laser beam printing on the surface of an object by two-dimensionally deflecting laser light emitted from a laser light source with a deflecting device. ,
(A) setting a bar code print content in the first print block;
(B) setting a human readable character corresponding to the barcode in the second print block;
(C) generating development information composed of line segment data and laser control data defining a trajectory that the laser beam should follow from setting information of the first print block and the second print block;
(D) a step of performing laser beam deflection control and on / off control according to the development information in accordance with a print start command,
In the step (b), a human-readable character corresponding to the barcode is automatically generated by referring to the first print block. When the barcode printing content set in the first printing block is a composite code combining a plurality of types of barcodes, the plurality of barcodes are referred to when the first printing block is referred to in the step (b). 2. The barcode printing method according to claim 1, wherein a human readable character corresponding to one selected barcode is automatically generated. A step of automatically generating a human readable character corresponding to the barcode selected from the other barcodes not selected in the step (b) and setting the human readable character in the third print block; The barcode printing method according to claim 2, wherein the barcode printing method is provided. A laser marking device that performs laser beam printing on a surface of an object by two-dimensionally deflecting laser light emitted from a laser light source with a deflection device,
Setting information input means for inputting setting information related to the printing contents of a plurality of printing blocks;
A processing device for generating development information composed of line segment data and laser control data defining a trajectory that the laser beam should follow from the setting information;
A control unit that performs laser beam deflection control and on / off control according to the development information,
The setting information input means automatically generates a human readable character corresponding to the barcode by referring to the first printing block in which the barcode printing content is set, and performs the second printing of the human readable character. A laser marking device having a function of setting a block. When the print content of the barcode set in the first print block is a composite code combining a plurality of types of barcodes, the setting information input means, when referring to the first print block, The laser marking device according to claim 4, wherein a human readable character corresponding to one selected barcode among a plurality of types of barcodes is automatically generated. The setting information input means automatically generates a human readable character corresponding to a bar code further selected from other bar codes not selected from the plurality of types of bar codes, The laser marking device according to claim 5, wherein the laser marking device has a function of setting three print blocks.

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