JP2012148309A - Printing quality evaluation system, laser marking apparatus, printing condition setting device, printing quality evaluation apparatus, printing condition setting program, printing quality evaluation program, and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set a printing condition based on not visual read of a user, but read with an optical information reading apparatus in order to improve read stability.SOLUTION: The printing quality evaluation system includes: a printing position recognizing section 68 that recognizes the printing position extracted by a symbol extracting section 63; and an evaluation output section that outputs the evaluation result of the printing quality by the printing quality evaluation section 65 according to the symbol extracted by the symbol extracting sections 63, wherein printing positions of a particular pattern each are related with a printing condition printed with a symbol added with the particular pattern, two or more symbols each are an evaluation pattern in which cells of one or two or more which each are a structure unit of a particular two-dimensional code are combined, and each are composed by the evaluation patterns having a smaller size than that of the particular two-dimensional code, further each evaluation pattern is printed with a pattern in which a cell pattern is different at each printing position.

Description

  The present invention relates to a laser marking device that performs processing such as printing by irradiating an object with laser light, a laser printing condition setting device, a print quality evaluation system that combines these, a laser printing condition setting method, and a laser printing condition setting program. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium, a recorded device, and a laser marking device.

  Today, various codes or “symbols” such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes are used in the field of product management and the like. Nowadays when traceability has become widespread, optical information readers called bar code readers or code readers are installed in factories or distribution bases, and symbols or the like are printed or stamped on products and products (codes) Printing), and a system that reads information of this code printing by an optical information reader is used in many industries. A laser marking device that performs such printing processing scans a laser beam within a predetermined area and irradiates the surface of a printing object (work) such as a component or product with a laser beam, thereby printing or marking. Etc. are processed.

  When using a laser marking device, it is necessary to set processing parameters such as the scanning speed of laser light and laser output (laser power) to optimum values as printing conditions during processing. Further, when the laser beam is pulse-oscillated by Q switching, it is necessary to set the Q switch frequency as a printing condition. Q-switching means that pumping is performed in a state where the loss of the optical resonator is increased, energy is stored in the excitation level, the loss is reduced at an appropriate time, and laser action is performed. The optimum printing conditions differ depending on the material of the workpiece, the type and size of the marks to be printed, etc., and the parameters that make up the printing conditions are also complexly correlated, so the user can make optimum printing while adjusting these values. The task of setting conditions is very difficult.

  The present applicant has previously developed a laser marking device that can be easily set to optimum printing conditions (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). The technique described in Patent Document 1 sets a plurality of printing conditions in which the laser beam scanning speed and laser output are automatically changed, performs actual printing under each printing condition, and performs different printing as shown in FIG. A print list 500 is created in which a plurality of print samples 501 having a density of 5 are formed. Thus, the user can set the scanning speed VS, the laser output PL, and the Q switch frequency fs corresponding to the printing of the printing sample as printing conditions only by designating the number of the printing sample 501 in the printing list 500. Patent Document 2 discloses a method for setting preferable printing conditions when three-dimensional printing is performed using a laser marking apparatus capable of three-dimensional processing.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-28586 JP 2007-90352 A

  However, since the above technique allows a user to visually select a symbol that has a desired result from a plurality of symbols that are actually printed (for example, a QR code), the size of the symbol to be printed. When is very small, there is a problem that it is difficult to visually discriminate. For example, in the case of a micro QR code, there is a symbol having a size of 1 mm in length × 1 mm in width. In addition, even if a normal QR code is used, if there is no significant difference in the obtained print results, which QR code is selected may depend on the user's impression, subjectivity, etc. There are cases where a reasonable judgment result cannot be obtained.

  Furthermore, a good result obtained by the user's visual observation does not necessarily match a good result as a reading condition on the reading device side that reads such a symbol such as a QR code. That is, since the finally printed symbols are read by the reading device, it is important to set the printing conditions so that the reading stability is improved so that the reading device can stably read the symbols. For example, it is necessary to set printing conditions according to required specifications such as a material to be printed and illumination conditions so that the symbol cell size is an optimal size and the contrast of black and white becomes clear. In particular, it is known that code printing directly engraved on the surface of a metal or resin workpiece called direct parts marking is a factor that affects the reading of a barcode reader by the degree of light hitting.

  Therefore, even code printing that the user has determined visually without problems may be difficult to read with a barcode reader. In addition, when there are multiple code prints that are similar enough that no matter which one is selected when viewed by the user's eyes, one specific code print is stable when judged from the barcode reader side. In some cases, it can be read.

  The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems. The main object of the present invention is to provide a print quality evaluation system, a laser marking device, a laser printing condition setting device, and a laser printing condition setting capable of setting printing conditions with improved reading stability on the reading device side for reading processed symbols. A method, a laser printing condition setting program, a computer-readable recording medium, and a recorded device are provided.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to achieve the above object, according to the printing quality evaluation system according to the first aspect of the present invention, a laser marking device capable of printing a plurality of symbols with different printing conditions on a printing object, A print quality evaluation system for evaluating the print quality of each symbol based on a captured image obtained by imaging a plurality of symbols with different print conditions printed on a print object by a laser marking device. There,
The laser marking device is
Parameter setting means capable of setting at least one of the plurality of print parameters constituting the print condition as a variable parameter and different as a fixed parameter for making the print condition different;
In order to generate a plurality of different printing conditions by substituting a plurality of different parameter values for the variable parameter set by the parameter setting unit while substituting a fixed value for the fixed parameter set by the parameter setting unit Printing condition generation means,
Print data generation for generating, as print data, an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific symbol, is combined, each of which is smaller than the specific symbol Means,
Marking means for printing a plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation means based on a plurality of different printing conditions generated by the printing condition generation means;
With
The print quality evaluation device
An image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image including individual evaluation patterns printed on a print object, the image being captured at a resolution capable of evaluating the print quality of the evaluation pattern;
Extraction means for extracting an evaluation pattern capable of evaluating print quality from the captured image obtained by the image acquisition means;
Print quality evaluation means for evaluating the print quality of the evaluation pattern extracted by the extraction means;
Print position recognition means for recognizing the print position of the evaluation pattern extracted by the extraction means;
In accordance with the evaluation pattern extracted by the extraction unit, an evaluation output unit for outputting a print quality evaluation result by the print quality evaluation unit;
Can be provided. Thereby, the print position recognition means can identify the print position of the evaluation pattern based on a plurality of different evaluation patterns, and can grasp the print conditions corresponding to this print position. The printing conditions can be determined according to the conditions.

Further, according to the print quality evaluation system according to the second aspect, a print condition setting device for setting a print condition for printing a plurality of symbols having different print conditions with a laser marking device on a print object. And based on the print data generated according to the print conditions set by the print condition setting device, and based on the picked-up images obtained by picking up the plurality of symbols with different print conditions printed on the print object by the laser marking device. A print quality evaluation system including a print quality evaluation device for evaluating the print quality of a symbol,
The printing condition setting device includes:
Parameter setting means capable of setting at least one of the plurality of print parameters constituting the print condition as a variable parameter and different as a fixed parameter for making the print condition different;
In order to generate a plurality of different printing conditions by substituting a plurality of different parameter values for the variable parameter set by the parameter setting unit while substituting a fixed value for the fixed parameter set by the parameter setting unit Printing condition generation means,
Print data generation for generating, as print data, an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific symbol, is combined, each of which is smaller than the specific symbol Means,
Print data output means for sending a plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation means to a laser marking device so as to print based on a plurality of different print conditions generated by the print condition generation means When,
With
The print quality evaluation device
An image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image including individual evaluation patterns printed on a print object, the image being captured at a resolution capable of evaluating the print quality of the evaluation pattern;
Extraction means for extracting an evaluation pattern capable of evaluating print quality from the captured image obtained by the image acquisition means;
Print quality evaluation means for evaluating the print quality of the evaluation pattern extracted by the extraction means;
Print position recognition means for recognizing the print position of the evaluation pattern extracted by the extraction means;
In accordance with the evaluation pattern extracted by the extraction unit, an evaluation output unit for outputting a print quality evaluation result by the print quality evaluation unit;
With
The print position of the evaluation pattern is associated with the print condition for printing the evaluation pattern, and each evaluation pattern can print the cell pattern in a different pattern for each print position. Thereby, the print position recognition means can identify the print position of the evaluation pattern based on a plurality of different evaluation patterns, and can grasp the print conditions corresponding to this print position. The printing conditions can be determined according to the conditions.

Furthermore, according to the laser marking device according to the third aspect, a laser marking device capable of printing a plurality of symbols with different printing conditions on a printing object,
Parameter setting means capable of setting at least one of the plurality of print parameters constituting the print condition as a variable parameter and different as a fixed parameter for making the print condition different;
In order to generate a plurality of different printing conditions by substituting a plurality of different parameter values for the variable parameter set by the parameter setting unit while substituting a fixed value for the fixed parameter set by the parameter setting unit Printing condition generation means,
Print data generation for generating, as print data, an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific symbol, is combined, each of which is smaller than the specific symbol Means,
Marking means for printing a plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation means based on a plurality of different printing conditions generated by the printing condition generation means;
Can be provided.

  Furthermore, according to the laser marking device according to the fourth aspect, the plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation means can be formed in units that can perform the print quality evaluation by the print quality evaluation device. .

  Furthermore, according to the laser marking device according to the fifth aspect, the plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation unit can be configured to include a plurality of cells arranged in a lattice pattern. As a result, it is possible to evaluate the print quality even if the print area is small, and there is an advantage that the print quality can be evaluated even when the print target is a small size or the printable area is narrow.

  Furthermore, according to the laser marking device according to the sixth aspect, the plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation unit can include a finder pattern of a two-dimensional code. Thereby, even if the evaluation pattern is incomplete as a code, the print quality can be evaluated.

  Furthermore, according to the laser marking device of the seventh aspect, the direction of the evaluation pattern can be specified for the plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation unit.

  Furthermore, according to the laser marking device according to the eighth aspect, the specific symbol can be a two-dimensional code.

  Furthermore, according to the laser marking device of the ninth aspect, the specific symbol can be a QR code.

Furthermore, according to the printing condition setting device according to the tenth aspect, the printing condition setting for setting a printing condition for printing a plurality of symbols with different printing conditions on the printing object by the laser marking device. A device,
Parameter setting means capable of setting at least one of the plurality of print parameters constituting the print condition as a variable parameter and different as a fixed parameter for making the print condition different;
In order to generate a plurality of different printing conditions by substituting a plurality of different parameter values for the variable parameter set by the parameter setting unit while substituting a fixed value for the fixed parameter set by the parameter setting unit Printing condition generation means,
Print data generation for generating, as print data, an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific symbol, is combined, each of which is smaller than the specific symbol Means,
Print data output means for sending a plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation means to a laser marking device so as to print based on a plurality of different print conditions generated by the print condition generation means When,
Can be provided. As a result, each of a plurality of different evaluation patterns includes information for specifying the printing conditions in a state that can be read by the print quality evaluation device, so that the print quality evaluation device has a high print quality evaluation. The printing conditions can be grasped. As a result, by feeding back the printing conditions to the laser marking device, the printing conditions can be set so that the reading stability of the optical information reading device is improved during operation. This makes it possible to set qualitatively more suitable printing conditions regardless of the user's visual observation and experience.

Furthermore, according to the print quality evaluation apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, for evaluating the print quality of each symbol based on the picked-up image obtained by picking up a plurality of symbols printed on the print object and having different print conditions. A print quality evaluation device,
An image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image including individual symbols printed on a print object, the captured image captured at a resolution capable of evaluating the print quality of the symbol;
Symbol extraction means for extracting a symbol whose print quality can be evaluated from the captured image obtained by the image acquisition means;
A print quality evaluation means for evaluating the print quality of the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction means;
Printing position recognition means for recognizing the printing position of the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction means;
An evaluation output means for outputting a print quality evaluation result by the print quality evaluation means in accordance with the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction means;
With
Each of the printing positions of the specific pattern is associated with a printing condition for printing the symbol with the specific pattern;
Each of the plurality of symbols is an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific two-dimensional code, each composed of an evaluation pattern smaller in size than the specific two-dimensional code. And
Furthermore, each evaluation pattern can be printed with a pattern of cells different for each printing position. As a result, the printing position recognition means can identify the printing position of the evaluation pattern based on the patterns of a plurality of different evaluation patterns, and the printing conditions corresponding to this printing position can be grasped. Printing conditions can be determined.

Furthermore, according to the printing quality evaluation apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, a plurality of symbols printed on a printing object and having different printing conditions and a specific pattern for specifying the printing position of each symbol are imaged. A print quality evaluation apparatus for evaluating the print quality of each symbol based on a captured image,
A captured image including individual symbols printed on a print object is acquired at a resolution at which the print quality of the symbol can be evaluated so that at least a part of the specific pattern is included. Image acquisition means for
Symbol extraction means for extracting a symbol whose print quality can be evaluated from the captured image obtained by the image acquisition means;
A print quality evaluation means for evaluating the print quality of the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction means;
A print position recognition means for recognizing the print position of the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction means based on the specific pattern included in the captured image obtained by the image acquisition means;
An evaluation output means for outputting a print quality evaluation result by the print quality evaluation means in accordance with the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction means;
With
Each of the printing positions of the specific pattern is associated with a printing condition for printing the symbol with the specific pattern;
The plurality of symbols is an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific two-dimensional code, each of which can be configured with an evaluation pattern having a smaller size than the specific two-dimensional code. . Thus, the symbol printing position can be recognized based on the specific pattern, and the printing conditions can be grasped from the printing position.

  Furthermore, according to the print quality evaluation apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the print position of the specific pattern is a print parameter that constitutes a print condition for printing the symbol to which the specific pattern is attached, It can be associated with variable parameter information that is variable in order to vary printing conditions. As a result, when a plurality of symbols are printed with a specific printing parameter varied, an appropriate parameter value can be specified from a specific pattern attached to the symbol based on the symbol printing result. The advantage that preferred printing conditions can be grasped is obtained.

  Furthermore, according to the print quality evaluation apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, the print quality evaluation means can be configured to perform print quality evaluation between a plurality of cells.

  Furthermore, according to the print quality evaluation apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the print quality evaluation means can include evaluation of contrast or uniformity between cells as print quality evaluation between a plurality of cells.

  Furthermore, according to the print quality evaluation apparatus of the sixteenth aspect, the print quality evaluation means can be configured to perform the print quality evaluation of a single cell.

  Furthermore, according to the print quality evaluation apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, the print quality evaluation means can include evaluation of suitability of the cell shape as the print quality evaluation of a single cell. Thereby, quality evaluation can be appropriately performed based on the suitability of the shape, such as cell thinning and edge line brightness.

  Furthermore, according to the print quality evaluation apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect, the evaluation display capable of displaying the position information of the symbols recognized by the print position recognition means together with the print quality evaluation result by the print quality evaluation means. Means may be provided. As a result, the user can check the evaluation display means, select an optimum print position, and feed it back to the laser marking device.

  Furthermore, according to the printing quality evaluation apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, the image acquisition means converts the captured image including the individual symbols printed on the printing object into a resolution capable of evaluating the printing quality of the symbols. The print quality evaluation apparatus further includes an imaging control unit for controlling the imaging unit so as to continuously capture symbols while changing imaging parameters of the imaging unit. The print quality evaluation means may calculate a reading stability score with respect to a change in the imaging parameter of the symbol, and the evaluation display means may display identification information together with the score. As a result, the user can confirm the score displayed on the evaluation display means and feed back the identification information corresponding to the best score to the laser marking device, and can easily set the optimum printing conditions. .

  Furthermore, according to the print quality evaluation apparatus according to the twentieth aspect, a target area for designating a target area for allowing the user to select one or a plurality of symbols on the captured image displayed on the evaluation display means. Setting means can be provided. Thereby, the time required for analysis can be reduced by selecting only the symbols that the user wants to analyze from among the specific partial areas.

Furthermore, according to the printing condition setting program according to the twenty-first aspect, a printing condition setting for setting a printing condition for printing a plurality of symbols having different printing conditions with a laser marking device on a printing object. A program, on a computer,
A parameter setting function capable of setting at least one of the plurality of print parameters constituting the print condition as a variable parameter and changing the other as a fixed parameter,
To generate a plurality of different printing conditions by substituting a plurality of different parameter values for the variable parameter set by the parameter setting function while substituting a fixed value for the fixed parameter set by the parameter setting function Print condition generation function,
Print data generation for generating, as print data, an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific symbol, is combined, each of which is smaller than the specific symbol Function and
Print data output function for sending a plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation function to a laser marking device so as to print based on a plurality of different print conditions generated by the print condition generation function When,
Can be realized. As a result, each of a plurality of different evaluation patterns includes an evaluation pattern for specifying the printing conditions in a state that can be read by the print quality evaluation device. Therefore, the evaluation pattern having a high print quality evaluation on the print quality evaluation device side. The printing conditions corresponding to can be grasped. As a result, by feeding back the printing conditions to the laser marking device, the printing conditions can be set so that the reading stability of the optical information reading device is improved during operation. This makes it possible to set qualitatively more suitable printing conditions regardless of the user's visual observation and experience.

Furthermore, according to the print quality evaluation program according to the twenty-second aspect, for evaluating the print quality of each symbol based on the picked-up image obtained by picking up a plurality of symbols printed on the print object and having different print conditions. A print quality evaluation program for a computer,
An image acquisition function for acquiring a captured image including individual symbols printed on a print object and captured at a resolution capable of evaluating the print quality of the symbol;
A symbol extraction function for extracting a symbol whose print quality can be evaluated from the captured image obtained by the image acquisition function;
A print quality evaluation function for evaluating the print quality of the symbols extracted by the symbol extraction function;
A print position recognition function for recognizing the print position of the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction function;
In accordance with the symbols extracted by the symbol extraction function, an evaluation output means for outputting a print quality evaluation result by the print quality evaluation function;
Realized,
Each of the printing positions of the specific pattern is associated with a printing condition for printing the symbol with the specific pattern;
The plurality of symbols are symbols obtained by combining one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a unit of a specific two-dimensional code, each of which is composed of symbols smaller in size than the specific two-dimensional code. ,
Further, each symbol can be printed with a pattern of cells different for each printing position. As a result, the print position recognition function can identify the print position of the symbol based on a plurality of different symbol patterns, and can grasp the print conditions corresponding to this print position. The corresponding printing conditions can be determined.

  Furthermore, the computer-readable recording medium according to the twenty-third aspect stores the program. Recording media include CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, flexible disk, magnetic tape, MO, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD + R, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, Blu-ray, HD A medium that can store a program such as a magnetic disk such as a DVD (AOD), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is included. The program includes not only a program stored in the recording medium and distributed but also a program distributed by download through a network line such as the Internet. Further, the recording medium includes a device capable of recording a program, for example, a general purpose or dedicated device in which the program is implemented in a state where it can be executed in the form of software, firmware, or the like. Furthermore, each process and function included in the program may be executed by computer-executable program software, or each part of the process or hardware may be executed by hardware such as a predetermined gate array (FPGA, ASIC), or program software. And a partial hardware module that realizes a part of hardware elements may be mixed.

It is a block diagram which shows the printing quality evaluation system which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a laser processing apparatus. It is a transparent perspective view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the X * Y-axis scanner in a scanning part. It is the perspective view which looked at FIG. 5 from the back direction. It is a block diagram which shows a printing condition setting part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure which implement | achieves a printing condition setting apparatus with the computer which installed the printing condition setting program. It is a block diagram which shows the printing quality evaluation system which concerns on a modification. It is an image figure which shows the user interface screen of a printing condition setting program. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which performs sample printing mode. It is an image figure which shows a template selection screen. It is an image figure which shows the 1st sample printing condition setting screen. It is an image figure which shows the state which selected the two-dimensional code in the printing data designation | designated column of FIG. It is an image figure which shows the setting screen of dot form printing. FIG. 14 is an image diagram showing a detailed setting screen displayed by pressing a “detail setting” button in FIG. 13. It is an image figure which shows the detailed setting screen displayed by pressing a detailed setting button in FIG. FIG. 16 is an image diagram showing a screen in which a “two-dimensional code” tab is selected in FIG. 15. It is an image figure which shows the state which selected the data matrix for the classification of a two-dimensional code in FIG. It is an image figure which shows the printing line width designation | designated screen displayed by pressing down a printing line width detailed button in FIG. It is an image figure which shows the 2nd sample printing condition setting screen. It is an image figure which shows the state which opened the printing condition clipboard screen. It is an image figure which shows a mode that the printing conditions are copied. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of sample printing when a new template is selected. It is an image figure which shows the user interface screen of an optical information reading program. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for performing print quality evaluation. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which sets the installation conditions of a workpiece | work. It is an image figure which shows a printing optimization screen. It is an image figure which shows a live view screen. It is an image figure which shows an illumination setting screen. It is an image figure which shows a tuning setting screen. It is an image figure which shows a printing information input screen. It is an image figure which shows a mode that reading execution of link data is performed. It is an image figure which shows the state in which the data read from link data were each input into the printing information input screen. It is an image figure which shows the state by which the variable parameter was added to the item name of the screen of FIG. It is an image figure which shows the state which searches a sample code | cord | chord while changing the brightness of illumination. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an analysis process. It is an image figure which shows the state by which the detected sample code is enclosed and displayed by frame shape. It is an image figure which shows an analysis result. It is an image figure which shows the live view screen displayed by selecting the sample code of 1-1 in FIG. It is an image figure which shows the live view screen displayed by selecting the sample code of 1-4 in FIG. It is an image figure which shows the state which contrasted the score of two sample codes. It is the image figure which displayed the distribution state of the score in the shape of a contour line. It is an image figure which shows the state which displayed the score for every element of the sample printing pattern in matrix form. It is an image figure which shows the state which displayed the distribution state of the score on a contour line form. It is an image figure which shows the state which designates an object area | region with the 2nd captured image. It is an image figure which shows the analysis result of the 2nd captured image. It is the image figure which displayed the analysis result on the synthetic | combination screen which synthesize | combined the captured image. It is an image figure which shows the state sorted by ID number in the score display column. It is an image figure which shows the state sorted by Q switch frequency in the score display column. It is an image figure which shows the state sorted by the spot variable in the score display column. It is an image figure which shows the state which displayed the score in the matrix form. It is a schematic diagram which shows the sample printing pattern which prints character string information. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example which described the positional information on the symbol with the character. It is an image figure which shows the sample printing pattern which made the symbol the two-dimensional code and made the dividing line into the specific pattern. It is an image figure which shows the sample printing pattern which made the symbol a finder pattern, and made the dividing line using a different line | wire type on a vertical axis | shaft and a horizontal axis a specific pattern. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which performs printing quality evaluation with the whole image of the sample printing pattern using a specific pattern. It is an image figure which shows the sample print pattern which made the QR code a symbol, and made the dividing line which changed the line | wire type in length and width into a specific pattern. It is an image figure which shows the sample print pattern which made the symbol a finder pattern, and made the demarcation line using all the line types different in a vertical axis | shaft and a horizontal axis into a specific pattern. It is an image figure which shows the sample printing pattern which changed the number of the dividing lines. It is an image figure which shows the sample printing pattern which changed the line | wire type of each line which comprises a some dividing line. It is an image figure which shows the sample printing pattern which made the dividing line the circular surrounding a sample code. It is an image figure which shows the sample code which added the pattern which shows directionality to each symbol. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the analysis process which performs printing quality evaluation with the sample code which gave the identification information to the specific pattern. It is an image figure which shows the evaluation pattern which arranged the monochrome cell in the grid | lattice form of 2x2 cells. It is an image figure which shows the evaluation pattern of a finder pattern. It is an image figure which shows the picked-up image which imaged the finder pattern-like evaluation pattern of (1: 1: 2: 1: 1). FIG. 65 is an image diagram showing a state in which the target area is fixed. 66 is a histogram obtained by calculating pixel values in the target region in FIG. 66. FIG. 68 is an image diagram showing the black region in FIG. 67 on the image in FIG. 65. FIG. 68 is an image diagram showing the white region in FIG. 67 on the image in FIG. 65. FIG. 66 is an image diagram showing a rectangular area. FIG. 71 is an image diagram showing a state in which an edge position is detected in the rectangular shape shown in FIG. 70. It is an image figure which shows the evaluation pattern which arranged the monochrome cell in the grid | lattice form of 3x3 cell. It is an image figure which shows the evaluation pattern which arranged the monochrome cell in the grid | lattice form of 4x4 cell. It is an image figure which shows the finder pattern-like evaluation pattern of (1: 1: 3: 1: 1). It is an image figure which shows the finder pattern-like evaluation pattern of (1: 1: 4: 1: 1). FIG. 74 is an image diagram showing an example in which a directionality specifying pattern is added to the lattice-like evaluation pattern of FIG. 73. FIG. 76 is an image view showing an example in which a directionality specific pattern is added to the finder pattern evaluation pattern of FIG. 75. It is a top view which shows an example of a printing list.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are a print quality evaluation system, a laser marking device, a print condition setting device, a print quality evaluation device, a print condition setting program, a print quality evaluation program for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, The present invention exemplifies a computer-readable recording medium, and the present invention relates to a printing quality evaluation system, a laser marking device, a printing condition setting device, a printing quality evaluation device, a printing condition setting program, a printing quality evaluation program, and a computer reading The possible recording media are not specified as follows. Further, the present specification by no means specifies the members shown in the claims to the members of the embodiments. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the component parts described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified, and are merely explanations. It is just an example. Note that the size, positional relationship, and the like of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, in the following description, the same name and symbol indicate the same or the same members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are constituted by the same member and the plurality of elements are shared by one member, and conversely, the function of one member is constituted by a plurality of members. It can also be realized by sharing.

  Print quality evaluation system, laser marking device, print condition setting device, print quality evaluation device used in the embodiments of the present invention, and computer, printer, operation, control, display, and other processing connected thereto For example, IEEE1394, RS-232x, RS-422, RS-423, RS-485, USB, etc., serial connection, parallel connection, or 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE Communication is performed by electrical, magnetic, or optical connection via a network such as -T. The connection is not limited to a physical connection using a wire, but may be a wireless connection using a wireless LAN such as IEEE802.1x, radio waves such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared light, optical communication, or the like. Furthermore, a memory card, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like can be used as a recording medium for exchanging data or storing settings. In this specification, the print quality evaluation system, laser marking device, print condition setting device, and print quality evaluation device include not only the print quality evaluation system, laser marking device, print condition setting device, and print quality evaluation device main body, but also In addition, it is used to include a print quality evaluation system that combines peripheral devices such as computers and external storage devices.

  In this specification, a print quality evaluation system, a laser marking device, a print condition setting device, and a print quality evaluation device include a laser marking, a print condition setting, a print quality evaluation system itself, a laser marking, a print condition setting, and a print. The present invention is not limited to devices and methods that perform input / output, display, calculation, communication, and other processes related to quality evaluation in hardware. Apparatuses and methods for realizing processing by software are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, software or programs, plug-ins, objects, libraries, applets, compilers, modules, macros that run on specific programs, etc. can be incorporated into general-purpose circuits or computers to enable image generation itself or related processing. The apparatus and system also correspond to the print quality evaluation system, laser marking device, print condition setting device, and print quality evaluation device of the present invention. In this specification, the computer includes a general-purpose or dedicated electronic computer, a workstation, a terminal, a portable electronic device, and other electronic devices. Further, in this specification, the program is not limited to a program that is used alone, such as a mode that functions as a part of a specific computer program, software, or service, a mode that is called and functions when necessary, an OS, and the like. It can also be used as an aspect provided as a service in the environment, an aspect that operates resident in the environment, an aspect that operates in the background, and other support programs.

In addition, in this specification, the printing means not only cutting the surface of the printing object but also a process for changing the material by heat, that is, the meaning to include in “printing” even if the surface of the printing object is not necessarily removed. use. The contents to be printed are not limited to printing characters, numbers, symbols, figures, etc., but also include symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes, and these printed contents are drawn on the surface to be printed by processes such as engraving and discoloration. Is called printing. Since the laser marking device itself is a device that performs processing such as printing by irradiating the object with laser light, its use is not limited to marking such as printing, but it is used to form the foundation of the printing target surface described later. Therefore, it can be applied to other processes such as pre-processing for printing, marking, cutting, drilling, trimming, scribing, and surface treatment.
Example 1

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a print quality evaluation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The print quality evaluation system shown in this figure includes a laser marking device 1000 that prints symbols on a work WK that is a print target, and an optical information reading system 2000 that reads the printed symbols and evaluates the print quality. Is done.
(Laser marking device 1000)

The laser marking device 1000 includes a marking unit 100 constituting a marking unit and a printing condition setting unit 200 constituting a printing condition setting unit. As shown in FIG. 1, the marking unit 100 includes a laser control unit 10 and a laser output unit 20. The print condition setting unit 200 includes parameter setting means 32, print condition generation means 33, print data generation means 34, print data output means 35, print information code setting means 38, and identification information reference means 36. Prepare.
(Marking part 100)

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram constituting the marking unit 100. The marking unit 100 shown in this figure includes a laser control unit 10 and a laser output unit 20. In accordance with the printing conditions set by the printing condition setting unit 200, the marking unit 100 transmits the excitation light generated by the laser excitation circuit 12 of the laser control unit 10 to the laser oscillation unit 21 of the laser output unit 20. The laser medium 22 is transmitted and irradiated to the laser medium 22 constituting the oscillator to cause laser oscillation. The laser oscillation light is emitted from the emission end face of the laser medium 22, the beam diameter is enlarged by the beam expander 23, and is guided to the laser light scanning unit 26. The laser beam scanning unit 26 reflects the laser beam LB and changes the light in a desired direction, and the laser beam LB output from the light collecting unit 24 is scanned on the surface of the workpiece WK to perform processing such as printing.
(Laser controller 10)

  The laser control unit 10 includes a laser control circuit 11, a print memory unit 14, a laser excitation unit 12, and an excitation power source 13. Setting contents such as printing conditions set by a printing condition setting unit 200 described later are recorded in the printing memory unit 14. The laser control circuit 11 reads the setting contents from the print memory unit 14 when necessary, operates the laser excitation unit 12 based on the print signal corresponding to the printing conditions, and excites the laser medium 22 of the laser output unit 20. A semiconductor memory such as a RAM or a ROM can be used for the print memory unit 14. In addition to being built in the laser control unit 10, the print memory unit 14 can be a semiconductor memory card such as a detachable PC card or SD card (trade name), or a memory card such as a card-type hard disk. The print memory unit 14 constituted by a memory card can be easily rewritten by an external device such as a computer, and the print condition setting unit is written by writing the contents set by the computer into the memory card and setting it in the laser control unit 10. Settings can be made without connecting 200 to the laser controller. In particular, the semiconductor memory is fast in reading and writing data, and has no mechanical operation part, so it is resistant to vibrations and can prevent data loss accidents due to crashes such as hard disks.

Further, the laser control circuit 11 scans the laser beam LB oscillated by the laser medium 22 on the workpiece WK so as to perform the set printing, and outputs a scanning signal for operating the laser beam scanning unit 26 of the laser output unit 20 to the laser beam. Output to the optical scanning unit 26. The excitation power supply 13 applies a predetermined voltage to the laser excitation unit 12 as a constant voltage power supply. The print signal for controlling the print operation is a PWM signal corresponding to one pulse of the laser beam LB that is switched on / off of the laser beam LB in accordance with the HIGH / LOW and that one pulse is oscillated. The laser intensity of the PWM signal is determined based on a duty ratio corresponding to the frequency. However, the laser intensity can be changed according to the scanning speed based on the frequency.
(Laser output unit 20)

The laser output unit 20 includes a laser oscillation unit 21. The laser oscillation unit 21 that generates the laser beam LB includes a laser medium 22, an output mirror and a total reflection mirror that are arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance along the optical path of the stimulated emission light emitted from the laser medium 22, and Apertures, Q switches, etc. arranged between The stimulated emission light emitted from the laser medium 22 is amplified by multiple reflection between the output mirror and the total reflection mirror, and the mode is selected by the aperture while being interrupted in a short period by the operation of the Q switch, and the output mirror After that, the laser beam LB is output. The laser output unit 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a laser medium 22 and a laser beam scanning unit 26. The laser medium 22 is excited by laser excitation light incident from the laser excitation unit 12 via the optical fiber cable 15 and oscillated. The laser medium 22 employs a so-called end pumping excitation method in which laser excitation light is input from one end surface of the rod shape and is excited, and laser light LB is emitted from the other end surface.
(Laser medium 22)

In the above example, a rod-shaped Nd: YVO ₄ solid laser medium is used as the laser medium 22. The wavelength of the pumping semiconductor laser of the solid laser medium was set to 809 nm, which is the center wavelength of the Nd: YVO ₄ absorption spectrum. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and other solid-state laser media such as rare earth doped YAG, LiSrF, LiCaF, YLF, NAB, KNP, LNP, NYAB, NPP, GGG, etc. can also be used. Moreover, the wavelength of the laser beam LB to be output can be converted to an arbitrary wavelength by combining a wavelength conversion element with the solid laser medium.

Furthermore, it is also possible to use a wavelength conversion element that does not use a solid laser medium, in other words, does not constitute a resonator that oscillates laser light, and performs only wavelength conversion. In this case, wavelength conversion is performed on the output light of the semiconductor laser. Examples of the wavelength conversion element include KTP (KTiPO ₄ ), organic nonlinear optical materials and other inorganic nonlinear optical materials such as KN (KNbO ₃ ), KAP (KAsPO ₄ ), BBO, LBO, and bulk type polarization inversion elements ( LiNbO ₃ (Periodically Polled Lithium Niobate: PPLN), LiTaO ₃ or the like) can be used. Further, a semiconductor laser for an excitation light source of a laser by up-conversion using a fluoride fiber doped with rare earth such as Ho, Er, Tm, Sm, and Nd can be used. Thus, in this embodiment, various types can be appropriately used as a laser generation source.

Furthermore, the laser oscillation unit is not limited to the solid-state laser, CO ₂ and helium - it neon, argon, also use a gas laser using a gas such as nitrogen as a medium. For example, when a carbon dioxide laser is used, the laser oscillation unit is filled with carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) inside the laser oscillation unit and has an electrode built in. The laser oscillation is based on a print signal given from the laser control unit. The carbon dioxide in the unit is excited to cause laser oscillation.
(Laser beam scanning unit 26)

  Further, the laser output unit 20 includes a laser beam scanning unit 26 in order to scan the laser output light on the workpiece. As shown in FIG. 2, the laser beam scanning unit 26 includes an X / Y-axis scanner 27a, 27b constituting a pair of galvanometer mirrors, and a galvano motor 28a for rotating each galvanometer mirror fixed to a rotation shaft. 28b. These galvano motors 28 are driven by a scanner drive circuit 25. The X / Y-axis scanners 27a and 27b are arranged in a posture orthogonal to each other, and can scan the laser beam by reflecting it in the X and Y directions. In addition, a condensing unit 24 is provided below the laser beam scanning unit 26 as shown in FIG. The condensing unit 24 includes a condensing lens, and an fθ lens is used.

  The laser output unit 20 can scan not only in the XY direction but also in the Z direction (height). Examples of such a laser beam scanning system capable of three-dimensional printing are shown in the perspective views of FIGS. The scanning section shown in this figure is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the beam expander 23 incorporating the Z-axis scanner whose optical path is matched with the laser oscillation section for generating laser light, the X-axis scanner 27a, and the X-axis scanner 27a. And a Y-axis scanner 27b. In this laser beam scanning system, the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillation unit is scanned two-dimensionally in the work area WS by the X-axis scanner 27a and the Y-axis scanner 27b, and further the working in the height direction is performed by the Z-axis scanner 27c. The distance, that is, the focal length can be adjusted, and printing can be performed in three dimensions.

The X-axis scanner 27a and the Y-axis scanner 27b include a galvano mirror that is a total reflection mirror as a reflection surface for reflecting light, a galvano motor for rotating the galvano mirror to a rotation shaft, A position detector for detecting the rotational position and outputting it as a position signal is provided. Each scanner is connected to a scanner driving unit that drives the scanner. The scanner driving unit is connected to the scanner control unit, receives a control signal for controlling the scanner from the scanner control unit, and drives the scanner based on the control signal. For example, the scanner driving unit adjusts the driving current for driving the scanner based on the control signal. The scanner driving unit includes an adjustment mechanism that adjusts a temporal change in the rotation angle of each scanner with respect to the control signal. The adjustment mechanism is constituted by a semiconductor component such as a variable resistor that adjusts each parameter of the scanner driving unit.
(Distance pointer)

Further, the laser beam scanning system includes a guide light source 29A that emits a guide laser beam GB as a distance pointer, and a half mirror 29a as one form of the guide laser beam optical system, and irradiates a pointer beam PB as a pointer beam adjustment system. The pointer light source 29B, the pointer scanner mirror 27d as the third mirror formed on the back surface of the Y-axis scanner 27b, and the pointer light PB from the pointer light source 29B reflected by the pointer scanner mirror 27d. Furthermore, a fixed mirror 29b that reflects and irradiates toward the focal position is provided. This distance pointer can indicate the focal position of the laser beam LB by adjusting the distance so that the pointer beam PB is irradiated to the center of the guide pattern drawn with the guide laser beam GB.
(Z-axis scanner 27c)

On the other hand, the Z-axis scanner 27c is configured by a beam expander 23 that adjusts the spot diameter of the laser beam LB and thereby adjusts the focal length. The beam expander 23 is arranged in front of the galvanometer mirror as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in order to effectively collect light on a small spot, and the beam diameter of the laser beam LB output from the laser oscillation unit. And the focal position of the laser beam LB can be adjusted. Although the laser beam scanning system capable of three-dimensional printing has been described in the above example, the present invention can also be applied to a laser marking apparatus capable of two-dimensional printing.
(Printing condition setting unit 200)

  Next, the printing condition setting unit 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The printing condition setting unit 200 is connected to the laser control unit 10, inputs necessary settings for operating the laser marking apparatus 1000, and transmits them to the laser control unit 10. The set contents are operating conditions of the laser marking apparatus 1000, that is, printing conditions, specific printing contents, and the like. Here, printing parameters such as laser power, scan speed, Q switch frequency, spot variable value, and number of printing are mainly set as printing conditions. Here, the laser power is the output of the laser beam, the scan speed is the scan rate of the laser beam, and the Q switch frequency is a frequency for operating the Q switch. Further, the spot variable value is a parameter for changing the focal spot diameter by shifting the focal position of the laser light in the height direction from the surface of the workpiece. Furthermore, the number of times of printing designates the number of times the same part is repeatedly scanned.

  FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the printing condition setting unit 200. The print condition setting unit 200 shown in this figure includes a print operation unit 31 for inputting various settings, and a print operation for setting a print condition and calculating an inclination angle based on information input from the print operation unit 31. A unit 40, a setting display means 37 for displaying setting contents and calculation results, and a print memory unit 14 for storing various setting data. The printing operation means 31 realizes a function for setting printing parameters for printing conditions. The print parameters include laser beam output, scanning speed, laser beam focal position, that is, distance (height) from the workpiece to the laser beam emission surface, and the like. The print memory unit 14 is a member that stores information such as print parameters set by the print operation unit 31, and a storage medium such as a fixed storage device or a semiconductor memory can be used. Further, it fulfills the function of the identification information reference means 36 of FIG. 1 and can hold a correspondence table.

  The print calculation unit 40 also generates a print condition generation unit 33 that generates a set of a plurality of print conditions that are changed in the specified range and width from the print parameters specified in the range by the print condition generation unit 33. Print data generating means 34 for generating print data for each of the plurality of print conditions generated by the means 33; a print data output means 35 for outputting the finally set print conditions to a predetermined output destination; The function of the print information code setting means 38 for setting the print information code in which the condition is encoded is realized. The print calculation unit 40 is configured by an LSI, an IC, or the like. The setting display means 37 is a monitor such as an LCD or a cathode ray tube. The setting display means 37 may be a computer monitor in addition to providing a dedicated display.

  The printing operation means 31 is an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a console. The setting display means 37 can be used as a touch panel system, and the printing operation means 31 and an evaluation display means 72 to be described later can also be used. Thereby, the necessary setting of the laser marking device can be performed by the operating means without externally connecting a computer or the like.

In the example of FIG. 5, the printing condition setting device 200A is configured by dedicated hardware, but these members can also be executed by software. In particular, as shown in FIG. 6, a printing condition setting program can be installed in a general-purpose computer so as to function as the printing condition setting apparatus 200A. In the example of FIG. 5, the marking unit 100 and the printing condition setting unit 200 are separate devices, but they can also be integrated. For example, a laser printing condition setting function can be added to the laser marking device itself. Furthermore, an optical information reading unit and a print quality evaluation unit 65 constituting an optical information reading system described later may be integrated as appropriate.
(Optical information reading system 2000)

On the other hand, the optical information reading system 2000 includes an optical information reading device 300 and a print quality evaluation device 400, as shown in FIG. In the optical information reading system 2000, the symbol printed on the workpiece by the laser marking device 1000 is picked up by the optical information reading device 300 under common image pickup conditions, and the picked-up image evaluation device 400 takes in the picked-up image. Then, the print quality evaluation device 400 extracts a readable symbol from the captured image, and evaluates the reading stability of the extracted symbol.
(Optical information reader 300)

  An optical information reader 300 shown in FIG. 1 extracts an image from a captured image captured by the image capturing unit 51, an image capturing control unit 52 that controls the image capturing unit 51, and an image capturing unit 51 that captures the symbol attached to the workpiece. A symbol extracting means 56, a decoding means 53 for decoding information included in the symbol extracted by the symbol extracting means 56, and an internal lighting unit 54 for illuminating the workpiece. Moreover, the external illumination unit 55 can also be added as needed.

  The optical information reading device 300 is a device that reads optical information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or an optical code or a character string (collectively referred to as “symbol”) and decodes or recognizes the information. A reader, a two-dimensional code reader, an OCR, or the like. The optical information reader 300 can be connected to the external illumination unit 55 as necessary. In general, a barcode reader does not require illumination, but a two-dimensional code reader does. The external illumination unit 55 is, for example, a ring-type illumination, and works in cooperation with the internal illumination unit 54 built in the optical information reader 300 or stops the operation of the internal illumination unit 54 so that the work is performed only by the external illumination unit 55. Illuminate.

The optical information reader 300 is installed in the article conveyance path in factories and distribution bases that manufacture products, articles, and products on which such symbols are printed or stamped. At the time of operation, the optical information reader 300 reads information recorded on symbols printed on goods or articles, and this information is transferred to the host computer for information analysis. Examples of the two-dimensional code include QR code, micro QR code, data matrix (Data code), Veri code, Aztec code, PDF417, and Maxi code. The two-dimensional code includes a stack type and a matrix type, but the present invention can be applied to any two-dimensional code. The present invention can also be used for one-dimensional barcodes, other data symbols, OCR for character recognition, etc., without specifying the symbol to be read as a two-dimensional code.
(Print quality evaluation device 400)

As shown in FIG. 1, the print quality evaluation apparatus 400 includes an image acquisition unit 61 that acquires a captured image, an extraction unit 62, a print quality evaluation unit 65, an identification unit 66, a correspondence relationship storage unit 70, and an evaluation. An operation unit 71, an evaluation display unit 72, and a target area setting unit 73 are provided. The evaluation display means 72 is a display or a monitor, and the evaluation operation means 71 is an input device for performing various operations and settings. The target area setting unit 73 is a unit for designating a target area on the captured image displayed on the evaluation display unit 72. The extraction unit 62 includes a symbol extraction unit 63 that extracts a symbol and a specific pattern extraction unit 64 that extracts a specific pattern. The recognition unit 66 includes an identification information recognition unit 67 that recognizes identification information, and a print position recognition unit 68 that recognizes a print position. When the printing condition setting device 200A and the printing quality evaluation device are composed of the same computer in which the printing condition setting program and the printing quality evaluation program are installed, the monitor of the computer has setting display means 37 and evaluation display means. 72 is also used.
(Image acquisition means 61)

  The image acquisition unit 61 is a unit for acquiring a captured image obtained by capturing a captured image including individual symbols printed on a print target with a resolution capable of evaluating the print quality of the symbol. For example, an interface device (for example, a wired or wireless communication interface) for capturing a captured image captured by the optical information reader 300 connected to the print quality evaluation apparatus 400, or a reader that reads a medium on which the captured image is recorded. For example, a DVD drive or a memory card reader is applicable. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the print quality evaluation apparatus 400 may be provided with an image pickup means 51 such as a CCD camera to directly pick up an image. In this case, the image acquisition unit 61 becomes the imaging unit 51.

Note that the print quality evaluation apparatus 400 can cause the personal computer 3 installed with the print quality evaluation program to function as the print quality evaluation apparatus, for example. In this figure, the optical information reading device 300 and the print quality evaluation device 400 are separated, but they can also be integrated. Further, the print quality evaluation apparatus 400 is not limited to the code print evaluation for printing or engraving a symbol or the like on a product or product, but also includes an evaluation when a character string is read by OCR. Note that the print quality evaluation apparatus 400 is generally connected only when the print quality is evaluated. When an appropriate printing condition is determined from the obtained evaluation of the printing quality, the printing quality evaluation device 400 is removed, and the symbol reading operation is performed only by the optical information reading device 300 in actual operation. However, the optical information reader and the print quality evaluation device can be configured integrally, for example, by mounting a print quality evaluation function on the optical information reader. That is, the optical information reader 300 may have the functions of the extraction means 62 such as the symbol extraction means 63 and the specific pattern extraction means 64. In the example of FIG. 1, the example in which the laser marking device 1000 is configured by the printing condition setting unit 200 and the marking unit 100 has been described. However, the configuration is not limited to this configuration example, and the printing condition setting unit and the marking unit are integrally configured. Or, conversely, the printing condition setting device and the marking device can be configured separately.
(Imaging means 51)

The imaging unit 51 captures a captured image including individual symbols printed on the workpiece with a resolution that can evaluate the printing quality of the symbols. The imaging unit 51 includes an imaging element such as a CMOS or CCD as an optical reading element. By increasing the distance between the imaging element and the lens assembly, it is possible to read optical information such as a barcode and QR code up to a minute area with high resolution.
(Imaging control means 52)

The imaging unit 51 is controlled by the imaging control unit 52. The imaging control unit 52 continuously images the symbols while changing the imaging parameters of the imaging unit 51. Here, the imaging parameters can include brightness, filter, lighting pattern, etc. Only one parameter may be changed, or a plurality of parameters may be changed to obtain an index of readability. Also good.
(Print quality evaluation means 65)

On the other hand, the print quality evaluation means 65 evaluates the print quality of the symbols extracted by the symbol extraction means. Specifically, a score of the reading stability with respect to the change in the imaging parameter of the symbol is calculated, and the evaluation display means 72 displays the identification information together with the score. As described above, the print quality evaluation apparatus 400 performs reading while changing the imaging parameter with respect to the sample code SC in the captured image, and displays the score of the reading stability of the sample code SC obtained from the result. The user can be provided with suggestions for setting printing conditions. Thus, the user can confirm the score displayed on the evaluation display means 72 and feed back the identification information corresponding to the best score to the laser marking device 1000, and can easily set the optimum printing conditions. It becomes.
(Printing condition setting method)

  Hereinafter, a procedure for setting the printing conditions of the laser marking device 1000 using the printing condition setting device 200A will be described based on the user interface screens of FIGS. Here, as the printing condition setting device 200A, a configuration in which a printing condition setting program is installed in the computer of FIG. 6 is used. Further, the screens shown in FIGS. 8 to 14 show user interface screens of the printing condition setting program displayed on the setting display means 37 of FIG.

  FIG. 8 shows a user interface screen of a print condition setting program for setting print contents. In this example, an edit display column 202 for displaying an image of a machining pattern to be printed on a workpiece is provided on the left side of the screen, and a print pattern input column 204 for designating various data as specific machining conditions is provided on the right side. In the print pattern input field 204, a “basic setting” tab 204h, a “shape setting” tab 204i, and a “detailed setting” tab 204j can be switched as tabs for selecting setting items. In the example of FIG. 8, a “basic setting” tab 204h is selected, which includes a processing type designation field 204a, a character data designation field 204d, a character input field 204b, and a detailed setting field 204c. The processing type designation field 204a designates whether the operation as a printing pattern including a character string, a symbol, a logo, a pattern, an image such as a figure, or a processing machine is performed as a processing pattern type. In the example of FIG. 8, a character string, a logo / diagram, and a processing machine operation are selected from the processing type designation field 204a using radio buttons. The character data designation field 204d designates the type of character data. Here, any one of a character, a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and an RSS / composite code (CC) is selected from a pull-down menu. Further, according to the type of the selected character data, a more detailed type is selected in the type designation field 204q. For example, if you select a character, select a font type. If you select a barcode, select CODE39, ITF, 2 of 5, NW7, JAN, Code 28, etc. RSS-14, RSS-14 CC-A, RSS Stacked, RSS Stacked CC-A, RSS Limited, RSS Limited CC- when selecting 2D code type such as Micro QR Code, DataMatrix, RSS / Composite Code Specifies an RSS code type such as A or an RSS composite code type. In the character input field 204b, character information to be printed is input. The inputted character is printed as it is as a character string when a character is selected in the character data designation field 204d. On the other hand, when a symbol is designated, a processing pattern in which a character string input according to the type of the selected symbol is encoded is generated. The machining pattern may be generated by the machining data setting unit in addition to the machining condition setting unit 3C. In this example, the print calculation unit 40 performs this. The detailed setting column 204c switches the tabs and designates details of printing conditions such as a “printing data” tab 204e, a “size / position” tab 204f, and a “printing conditions” tab 204g.

  The edit display column 202 displays a preview of the print data editing state. In the example of FIG. 8, a two-dimensional view of the workpiece WK (here, a plan view of a horizontally placed cylinder) is displayed, and the user arbitrarily changes the display magnification, posture, arrangement, etc. of the workpiece by operating the mouse or specifying coordinates. it can. The edit display field 202 can scroll the screen according to the displayed size. Furthermore, the print contents to be printed on the work are set and arranged so as to be pasted on the work. The set print contents are displayed as a block as a print block, and can be moved or changed in print conditions in units of blocks. Each print block is given a block number so that it can be easily distinguished from other print blocks. In addition, the user can add an arbitrary comment to each print block so that each print content can be easily discriminated or distinguished.

  Further, the three-dimensional print data can be displayed in three dimensions. In the example of FIG. 8, a three-dimensional viewer column 206 that displays three-dimensional print data in a three-dimensional manner is displayed at the lower right of the edit display column 202. In this example, the three-dimensional viewer column 206 shows a perspective view of a cylinder that is the work WK. The workpiece WK displayed in the three-dimensional viewer column 206 preferably enables operations such as changing the posture and angle, rotating, and changing the magnification. For example, the work WK is directly dragged from the three-dimensional viewer column 206 to rotate and move. The three-dimensional viewer column 206 can also turn on / off the display. In addition to displaying the 3D viewer on a separate screen, for example, the display of the edit display field itself may be changed to a 3D shape.

  After the print data is generated by the above print condition setting program and the setting operation is completed, the obtained print data is transferred from the print condition setting program to the laser control unit 10 of the laser marking device. To execute the transfer, a “transfer / read” button 215 provided at the lower left of the screen of the print condition setting program is pressed. As a result, the setting data is transferred to the memory unit 14 in the laser control unit 10 and expanded to switch the setting contents to reflect new printing conditions.

In the example of the user interface screen of the program, it goes without saying that the arrangement, shape, display method, size, color scheme, pattern, etc. of each input field and each button can be changed as appropriate. By changing the design, the layout can be made easier to display, easier to evaluate and judge, and easier to operate. For example, the detailed setting screen can be displayed as a separate window, or a plurality of screens can be displayed within the same display screen. On the user interface screens of these programs, ON / OFF operations for numerically provided buttons and input fields, designation of numerical values and command inputs, and the like are specified by a printing operation means 31 connected to a computer in which the program is incorporated. Do. In this specification, “pressing” means operating by touching buttons physically, clicking or selecting by operating means such as the printing operation means 31 and evaluation operation means 71 described later, and the like. including. Input / output devices constituting the operating means are connected to a computer by wire or wirelessly, or are fixed to the computer or the like. Examples of general operation means include various pointing devices such as a mouse, keyboard, slide pad, track point, tablet, joystick, console, jog dial, digitizer, light pen, numeric keypad, touch pad, and accu point. These input / output devices are not limited to program operations, but can also be used to operate hardware such as the print quality evaluation apparatus 400. Further, the display itself of the evaluation display means 72 for displaying the interface screen can be input or operated by directly touching the screen with a hand by using a touch screen or a touch panel. Input means can be used, or these can be used together.
(Test print mode)

The printing condition setting device 200A shown in the block diagram of FIG. 5 has a plurality of printing modes. For example, when the “test print” button 208 provided in the lower part of the print pattern input field 204 is pressed on the screen of FIG. 8, the test print mode can be executed. In the test printing mode, the printing conditions of the laser beam scanning speed (scanning speed) and laser output (laser power) for each block are set by performing test printing in a two-dimensional matrix. That is, a plurality of printing conditions are generated by changing two of the printing parameters constituting the laser beam printing conditions, and printing is performed in a cell shape under each condition. For example, as shown in FIG. 78, the cells are printed in a two-dimensional matrix, and the printing condition of each cell is changed so that the laser output gradually decreases in the horizontal direction, and the scanning speed is gradually increased in the vertical direction. Change it to be faster. As a result, printing is performed so that the print result becomes lighter as the image proceeds from the upper left to the lower right. The user selects a cell from which a desired printing result is obtained from this matrix, and sets the scanning speed and laser output of the corresponding laser beam.
(Sample print mode)

  On the other hand, in order to set a more appropriate printing condition for the workpiece, the printing condition setting apparatus 200A prints a plurality of symbols on a trial basis under different printing conditions (sample printing conditions) and then visually checks by the user. In addition, the print quality evaluation apparatus 400 also includes a sample print mode for realizing a print quality evaluation function for qualitatively evaluating the print quality. In the sample print mode, any two print parameters are selected as variable parameters from the print parameters that constitute the print conditions, the remaining print parameters are fixed parameters, the fixed parameters are maintained at fixed values, and the variable parameters are set. A plurality of sample codes SC are printed by changing them. Here, a sample print pattern SP in which a plurality of sample codes SC are arranged in a matrix with one of the two variable parameters being the vertical axis and the other being the horizontal axis is printed. Then, by extracting a sample code SC having an appropriate print quality from the sample print pattern SP, the sample print condition on which the sample code SC is printed can be grasped as an appropriate print condition. If necessary, repeat the sample printing by changing the variable range or width of the variable parameter or changing the variable parameter to another print parameter, and finally select the appropriate set of print parameters. .

The procedure for executing the sample print mode and setting the print parameters of laser power, scan speed, Q switch frequency, spot variable value, and number of prints to appropriate values will now be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. explain. First, by pressing a “sample print” button 209 provided in the lower part of the print pattern input field 204 on the screen of FIG. 8, the sample print mode is started, and a transition is made to the template selection screen 210 shown in FIG. “Select template” is displayed in the step display field 211 provided in the upper part of the screen.
(Step S901: Template selection)

In the screen of FIG. 10, the material of the workpiece that is the printing target is selected (step S901). Here, typical work material is prepared in advance as a template, and the user selects a desired template button from a template button group 213 provided on the upper right side of the screen. As templates, examples of black printing on resin and metal, examples of white printing on metal, and general-purpose conditions are prepared. When one of the template buttons is selected, a recommended printing condition according to the setting of the selected template is automatically set. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 to be described later, the other template buttons are grayed out, and each item in the sample print condition designation field 222 is automatically input to the value set in the template. Also, a new template can be created. In this case, when a new template button is pressed, an arbitrary value can be set for each setting item.
(Step S902: First sample printing condition setting)

  When any template is selected from the screen of FIG. 10, the highlight of the step display field 211 at the top of the screen changes from “template selection” to “step 1” and the first sample print condition setting screen 220 of FIG. Migrate to Here, the first sample printing condition is set (step S902). In the screen of FIG. 11, a print data designation column 221 and a sample print condition designation column 222 which is one form of the parameter setting unit 32 are provided below the template button group 213 on the right side of the screen. The sample printing condition designation field 222 further includes a variable parameter setting field 223, a fixed parameter setting field 224, and a layout setting field 225. Further, an edit display column 202 for displaying the contents of printing is provided on the left side of the screen. Here, the variable parameter setting field 223 is a first sample printing condition setting field for setting the first sample printing condition.

In the example of FIG. 11, a metal black template is selected. That is, when the metal black button is pressed on the template selection screen 210 in FIG. 10, the first sample print condition setting screen 220 in FIG. 11 is displayed, and the first sample suitable for printing black on a metal workpiece. The printing conditions are automatically input to the sample printing condition designation field 222. Generally, in order to perform black printing on a metal workpiece, the laser power is increased and the scan speed is decreased. In addition, the Q switch frequency is also lowered so that higher energy can be given. When the metal white button is pressed, conditions suitable for printing in white on a metal workpiece are set.
(Variable parameters)

In the sample print mode, two of the five print parameters are selected as variable parameters, and the rest are fixed parameters. The variable parameter is selected in the variable parameter setting field 223, and the fixed parameter is selected in the fixed parameter setting field 224. In the example of FIG. 11, the print parameter selected in the variable parameter setting field 223 is automatically set so that it cannot be changed in the fixed parameter setting field 224. Here, the Q switch frequency and the spot variable are selected as variable parameters. As a result, in the fixed parameter setting field 224, the numerical value field is grayed out and the minimum value is displayed in red.
(Variable parameter setting field 223)

In the variable parameter setting field 223, two variable parameters (vertical axis variable parameter and horizontal axis variable parameter) corresponding to the vertical axis and the horizontal axis in the sample print pattern SP are respectively selected. In the example of FIG. 11, Q switch frequency is selected as the vertical axis variable parameter, and spot variable is selected as the horizontal axis variable parameter. It also defines the minimum and maximum variable values that define the range in which each variable parameter can be varied, and the interval at which it is changed.
(Sliders 223a and 223b)

  In addition to inputting numerical values for each item, sliders 223a and 223b are also prepared, and the displayed numerical values can be continuously changed by operating the sliders 223a and 223b. The sliders 223a and 223b include a minimum value slider indicating a minimum value and a maximum value slider indicating a maximum value. In addition, a range bar is provided between the minimum value slider and the maximum value slider, and when the range bar is dragged with a mouse or the like, the maximum value and the minimum value can be changed while being linked while maintaining the range constant. it can. When the minimum value slider and the maximum value slider are dragged independently, only the minimum value and the maximum value are changed, and the interval is automatically changed according to this.

  In addition, the slider also serves to visually display the position where the currently set maximum and minimum values are within the range that can be set with each variable parameter. It is possible to grasp the position and how it can change. Further, in the example of FIG. 11, the vertical axis slider 223a for adjusting the vertical axis and the horizontal axis slider 223b for adjusting the horizontal axis are arranged in a vertical posture and a horizontal posture, respectively. It will be easier to grasp visually whether this is an adjustment.

In the example of FIG. 11, the minimum value for the Q switch frequency is set to 10 kHz, the maximum value is set to 100 kHz, and the interval is set to 10 kHz. Respectively. In accordance with the variable parameter conditions set here, a sample print pattern SP in which sample codes SC are arranged in a matrix is displayed in the edit display column 202, and an image of actual sample printing can be confirmed. In the condition of FIG. 11, 110 symbols are displayed in a matrix of 10 on the vertical axis (column direction) and 11 on the horizontal axis (row direction), that is, 10 rows × 11 columns. The number of rows and the number of columns are automatically determined according to the range from the minimum value to the maximum value set by the variable parameter and the interval. When the set value in the variable parameter setting field 223 is changed, the sample print pattern SP displayed as an image in the edit display field 202 is also updated in real time.
(Fixed parameter setting field 224)

  In the fixed parameter setting field 224, the value of each print parameter is set. In the example of FIG. 11, the laser power, the scan speed, and the number of times of printing are adjusted except for fixed parameters (Q switch frequency and spot variable) that are set as variable parameters and cannot be changed. Note that the initial value of each fixed parameter is designated in advance as a value or a range that seems to be appropriate according to the selected template, and the user can adjust this value as necessary. In addition, the fixed parameter value is determined by the user based on the work type and print coloration. However, the fixed parameter value is not uniquely determined according to the template. For example, a preferable value range (optimum zone) is guided on the user interface. This may be done, and finally the fixed parameter value may be determined by the user.

Further, in the layout setting field 225, the print position of the sample print pattern SP is designated. Here, the X coordinate and Y coordinate, and the interval between each sample code SC are designated by numerical values. The block size of the sample print pattern SP is also displayed, and when the numerical value is changed, the block size is updated accordingly.
(Print data designation field 221)

  Also, the type of character data to be sample printed is designated from the print data designation column 221. Here, a character, a two-dimensional code, a dot two-dimensional code, a barcode, or a specific pattern is selected from a pull-down menu. If a character is selected here, the print quality can be evaluated visually by the user, and if a two-dimensional code or a specific pattern is selected, the print quality can be evaluated by the print quality evaluation apparatus 400. In the example of FIG. 11, a character is selected in the print data designation field 221, and a sample print pattern SP in which the characters “A” are arranged in a matrix as a symbol is displayed in the edit display field 202. In the sample print pattern, row numbers (1 to 10 in the example of FIG. 11) and column numbers (A to K in the example of FIG. 11) indicating the numbers of the matrices constituting the matrix are also displayed along the vertical axis and the horizontal axis. Is done.

  Even when a character is selected, the print quality evaluation function can be used by combining with a specific pattern as will be described later. In addition, the print quality evaluation function can be used even for symbols that do not constitute a complete two-dimensional code.

  When a two-dimensional code is selected in the print data designation field 221, the screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed (a plurality of two-dimensional codes are displayed in the edit display field 202), and the type of two-dimensional code, cell size, print line width, etc. Can be specified. The type of the two-dimensional code is designated in the code type designation field 221a. Here, a QR code, a data matrix, or the like can be selected. The cell size is designated from the cell size designation column 221b as the size of the cell which is the minimum unit constituting the two-dimensional code. The print line width designates the interval between printed lines from the print line width designation column 221c.

Note that, as a printing method using laser light, here, a method is shown in which a laser beam is scanned and painted so as to draw a line. However, sample code is drawn at a plurality of points by irradiating the laser beam in a dot shape. A dot-like printing method can also be adopted. FIG. 13 shows an example of a setting screen when such a dot-like printing method is adopted. Here, in the printing method designation field 221e, a dot shape is selected as a printing method instead of being filled, and the number of dots required to draw one cell at this time can be designated from the dot number designation field 221d (for example, 3 × 3). When the “detailed setting” button 226 is pressed from the screen of FIG. 13, the detailed setting screen 230B of FIG. 14 is displayed, and in addition to the number of dots, the dot pattern can be specified in one direction or bidirectional from the two-dimensional code tab. it can.
(Condition report selection field 227)

  Further, whether or not to print the sample printing condition can be specified by the condition report generating means. In the example of FIGS. 11 and 12, a condition report selection field 227 is provided in the print data designation field 221 as a condition report generation means, and an alphanumeric character that can be visually recognized (read) by checking this box. The selected sample print condition is selected to be printed, and a sample print condition character string SL indicating the sample print condition is displayed in the edit display field 202. In the example of FIG. 12, a QR code constituting a print information code (link data LT) described later is displayed on the left side as the sample print condition character string SL. Of the sample printing conditions, variable parameters are displayed in the upper row and fixed parameters are displayed in the lower row. Here, the variable parameter Q switch frequency “Frequency” is changed along the vertical axis of the sample print pattern SP “↓” on the left, the minimum value 10 kHz, the maximum value 100 kHz, and the change interval. 10 KHz is displayed as “10-100 (10)” on the right side. Similarly, the variable variable “Spot”, which is another variable parameter, is changed from “→” indicating that the sample print pattern SP is changed along the horizontal axis, the minimum value −100 (no unit), and the maximum value 0. , And the change interval 10 are respectively displayed as “−100-0 (10)”.

  The identification information associated with the sample printing condition can be encoded by using a symbol such as a two-dimensional code for each sample code to be sample printed. In the example of FIG. 12, each sample code SC in the first sample print pattern SP1 encodes the print position in the first sample print pattern SP1 on which the two-dimensional code is printed. For example, “A1” is encoded in the sample code located in the 1st row and the Ath column, and “K10” is encoded in the sample code located in the 10th row and the Kth column. Since the sample print conditions at each print position correspond to the sample print conditions set in the sample print condition designation field 222, the sample print conditions can be specified from the print position. For example, since the variable parameter is minimum at the printing position of “A1”, the Q switch frequency is 10 kHz and the spot variable is −100, and at “K10”, the variable parameter is maximum, and thus the Q switch frequency is 100 kHz and the spot variable is 0. Since the fixed parameter is a fixed value, it does not change in printing of any sample code. In this example, the laser power is 80%, the scan speed is 100 mm / s, and the number of times of printing is one. In this way, by selecting a desired sample code and decoding it with the optical information reading device 300 or the print quality evaluation device 400, it is possible to specify the printing conditions for printing the sample code. With this method, the character string encoded in the sample code suffices with a row and a column indicating the print position. For example, even a small-size code such as a micro QR code that can encode only 5 characters can be used as the sample code. can get.

If the code size is allowed, the sample print condition can be directly encoded in each sample code SC constituting the sample print pattern SP. In this case, when a desired sample code (two-dimensional code) is read and decoded from the sample print pattern by an optical information reader or the like, the sample print condition on which the two-dimensional code is printed can be directly acquired, It is possible to save the trouble of referring to the correspondence table or link data described later.
(Printing information code)

Further, the contents printed by the sample print condition character string SL can include not only the character string but also a print information code (link data LT) encoded in a symbol such as a two-dimensional code. . As a result, by reading the link data LT with the optical information reader 300 or the like, it becomes possible to grasp which print parameter is variable and sample printing is performed. In the example of FIG. 12, the QR code is included as the link data LT in the first sample print condition character string SL1 indicating the first sample print condition, and when this QR code is read, it is included in the first sample print condition character string SL1. "FR 10 100 10 Y: SV-100 0 10 X: LP 80.0: SS 100: RE 1" is decoded as the content equivalent to the character string indicating the sample print condition. Here, “FR” means the Q switch frequency, and “10 100 10 Y:” means that the range of 10 to 100 kHz is changed by 10 kHz on the Y axis. Similarly, “SV-100 0 10 X:” means that the spot variable is changed by 10 in the range of 10 to 100 on the X axis. “LP 80.0: SS 100: RE 1” means that the laser power is 80%, the scan speed is 100 mm / s, and the number of times of printing is one. Such generation of link data LT is performed by a print information code setting means 38 to be described later. In this embodiment, the first sample printing condition character string SL1 includes a QR code as the link data LT. However, only the first sample printing condition character string SL1 may be printed, or the QR code may be printed. Only the code may be printed. Thereby, the printing amount can be reduced.
(Detail setting button 226B)

  Further, when a “detailed setting” button 226 provided in the lower part of the screen of FIG. 12 is pressed, a detailed setting screen 230A of FIG. 15 is displayed. The screen of FIG. 15 includes a “printing information” tab 231A and a “two-dimensional code” tab 231B. When the “printing information” tab 231A is selected, details of sample printing can be designated. For example, the coordinate axis display means 232 for specifying whether or not the matrix number is printed on the vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the first sample print pattern SP1, the condition report display means 233 for specifying whether or not the condition report is printed, and the case of printing Is provided with a character height designation field 234 for designating the character height of the condition report (first sample printing condition character string SL1). Further, a print information code setting means 38 for setting the link data LT is also configured. Specifically, a link data printing check box 38a is provided, and the link data LT is printed by turning on this check box. Further, the cell size of the two-dimensional code of the link data LT at the time of printing can be pointed out from the cell size designation field 38b. In addition, the link data LT, the condition report, or the printing conditions of a specific pattern to be described later can also be specified from the specific printing condition specifying means 235.

When the “two-dimensional code” tab 231B is selected, the details of the two-dimensional code to be printed can be set as shown in FIG. Here, the type of the two-dimensional code can be selected from the type selection column 236 as a QR code, a data matrix, or the like. In the example of FIG. 16, an example in which a QR code is selected is shown. Here, the cell size, cell fine adjustment value, and print line width of the selected two-dimensional code can be designated from the detailed setting column 237. Further, in the detailed setting column 237, a pattern, a finder, a cell, a cell printing order, and the like can be designated. The cell fine adjustment is used when the area of the space part of the two-dimensional code is not appropriate and the reading rate is poor. When the set value is increased, the area can be adjusted to be small without changing the cell filling interval. The area can be increased by decreasing the set value. On the other hand, when a data matrix is specified as the type of the two-dimensional code in the type selection field 236, the screen shown in FIG.
(Base)

  Furthermore, it is possible to print the background. For example, when marking a symbol on a workpiece having a rough surface such as a casting, there may be a case where higher quality printing can be performed by marking after the base is once processed. In such a case, by making it possible to set the printing conditions (background processing conditions) for the base processing to conditions different from the symbol printing conditions from the base processing condition setting column 238, a more preferable base processing can be realized. become. In the screen of FIG. 16 and the like, it is possible to set the ground processing conditions suitable for such base processing.

Furthermore, fine adjustment of the print line width is also possible. When a two-dimensional code is selected in the print data designation field 221 from the screen of FIG. 12 and the print line width detail button 228 is pressed, the print line width detail setting screen 240 shown in FIG. 18 is displayed, and the print line width can be designated from this screen. By adjusting the print line width according to the workpiece material on this screen, a beautiful color can be obtained. For example, an appropriate line density can be selected according to the material, such as ultra-high density for metal black, high density for metal white, and medium to low density for resin.
(Step S903: Execution of first sample printing)

  When the first sample printing conditions are input as described above, the first sample printing (first sample printing) is executed (step S903 in FIG. 9). In the screen of FIG. 12, a print mode setting field 242 is provided in the lower part of the edit display field 202. In the print mode setting field 242, print mode selection means 243 for selecting a print mode is provided as a radio button. On the right side, a “trigger” button 244 for sending an instruction to the laser marking apparatus 1000 to execute the print mode selected by the radio button is provided. When “printing laser” is selected by the printing mode selection means 243 and the “trigger” button 244 is pressed, a trigger signal instructing printing is sent to the laser marking device 1000 to start sample printing, and the designated first The first sample print pattern SP1 is printed on the work according to the sample print conditions.

  Needless to say, the workpiece should be arranged in advance at the output position of the laser marking device 1000 prior to the execution of the sample printing. At this time, the guide laser beam can be scanned as necessary so that the printing position, that is, the irradiation position of the laser beam can be easily confirmed. Specifically, when a workpiece is set and a guide laser is selected in the print mode setting field 242 from the screen of FIG. 12 and the “trigger” button 244 is pressed, the guide light source 29A shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 guides. Laser light is emitted, actually scanned on the workpiece, and the print position is confirmed by the afterimage effect of the guide laser light. The print mode setting field 242 also serves as guide laser scanning mode selection means for selecting a scanning mode of the guide laser light. Here, one of “one time” of scanning the guide laser beam only once, “continuous” of scanning continuously, and “range” indicating the range where the sample print pattern SP and the condition report are printed can be selected.

In this way, after positioning the work as necessary, as described above, “printing laser” is selected in the printing mode setting field 242 and the “trigger” button 244 is pressed to execute the first sample printing. . As a result, according to the set first sample printing conditions, sample codes are printed in a matrix for each sample processing condition with different variable parameter values such as Q switch frequency and variable spot.
(Step S904: Evaluation of First Sample Printing)

Next, the print quality evaluation is performed on the work on which the first sample printing has been performed by using the print quality evaluation apparatus 400 (step S904 in FIG. 9). Specifically, the sample print pattern SP printed on the work is imaged, a score indicating the reading stability is calculated by the print quality evaluation means 65, and a sample code having a high score, that is, a high print quality is determined. This will be described in detail in the description of the print quality evaluation procedure described later.
(Step S905: Selection of a sample code with a high score)

When an appropriate sample code is determined in this way, a first sample printing condition for this sample code is obtained (step S905 in FIG. 9). Here, the correspondence between the first sample printing condition and the printing position is determined in advance so that the first sample printing condition can be specified by the printing position of the sample code. That is, since each sample code is printed in a matrix form in which two variable parameters are changed, the value of the variable parameter at the print position can be uniquely determined from the minimum value, maximum value, and interval of each variable parameter. For this reason, the first sample printing condition can be grasped by designating the printing position to the condition selecting means for specifying the printing condition from the printing position based on the correspondence. In the example of FIG. 12, the print position of the sample code is designated in the condition selection field 245 provided on the right side of the print mode setting field 242 at the lower stage of the edit display field 202. Here, the print position can be designated by row and column as the row number and column number are displayed in the vertical and horizontal directions of the first sample print pattern SP1 shown in the edit display column 202. Therefore, the print position can be selected as one of “A1” to “K10” from the pull-down menu in the condition selection field 245. Here, it is assumed that the score of the sample code at the printing position “I9” is high, and “I9” is designated in the condition selection field 245. Here, the printing position of “I9” corresponds to the variable parameter Q switch frequency of 90 kHz and the spot variable of −20. Therefore, these values are automatically entered in the variable parameter designation field. When the “next step” button 246 is pressed in this state, the highlight in the step display field 211 at the top of the screen changes from “step 1” to “step 2” and the second sample print condition setting screen 220B in FIG. Migrate to
(Step S906: Second sample printing condition setting)

  On the second sample printing condition setting screen 220B in FIG. 19, the second sample printing conditions are set (step S906 in FIG. 9). Here, the second sample printing condition for performing the second sample printing is set. As a result of the above-described first sample printing, appropriate values for the variable parameter Q-switch frequency and variable spot have already been found. Therefore, these printing parameters are fixed parameters in the second sample printing. On the other hand, instead of these, under the second sample printing condition, the number of times of printing (first variable parameter) and the scan speed (second variable parameter) are automatically selected as a set of new variable parameters. Thus, according to the selection in the condition selection field 245, the variable parameter changes to a fixed parameter, while another fixed parameter changes to a variable parameter.

  Thereafter, similarly to the setting of the first sample printing condition, the minimum value, maximum value, interval, and fixed parameter value of each variable parameter can be adjusted. In the example of FIG. 19, a minimum value of 1 time, a maximum value of 5 times, and an interval of 1 time are designated as the number of prints on the vertical axis, and the scan speed on the horizontal axis is a minimum value of 50 mm / s, a maximum value of 200 mm / s, An interval of 50 mm / s is specified. In accordance with the setting of the second sample print condition, the edit display field 202 virtually displays the second sample print pattern SP2 and the second sample print condition character string SL2 corresponding thereto. Since the number of matrixes of the second sample print pattern SP2 varies depending on the maximum value, the minimum value, and the interval, it differs from the first sample print pattern SP1 and is 5 rows × 4 columns here. In the second sample code SC2, the symbol is changed because the printing condition different from the first sample printing condition is encoded according to the second sample printing condition.

The selection of the variable parameters in the second sample printing conditions may be defined in advance by a metal black template. Similarly, sample printing may be performed twice in the first sample printing condition and the second sample printing condition, and default values of each variable parameter and fixed parameter may be specified in advance in the template. These are pre-defined as recommended conditions that may be suitable for printing black on metal workpieces, and users can easily follow the recommended conditions without knowledge of appropriate printing parameters for these materials. It becomes possible to determine printing conditions. It is also possible to adjust the recommended value as appropriate, and this makes it possible to adjust to more appropriate printing conditions in accordance with the actual environment. For example, the first variable parameter and the second variable parameter can be appropriately changed in both the first sample printing condition and the second sample printing condition. In the above example, another print parameter can be selected from the pull-down menu in FIG. In addition, numerical values can be appropriately changed to desired values. In this way, it is possible to meet the demands of skilled users who wish to adjust to finer printing conditions.
(Step S907: Execution of second sample printing)

When the second sample print condition is input as described above, the print mode is selected by the print mode selection means 243 from the second sample print condition setting screen 220B of FIG. 19 and the “trigger” button 244 is pressed. Then, the second sample printing (second sample printing) is executed (step S907 in FIG. 9). In addition, as described above, the work position is adjusted as necessary prior to the execution of the second sample printing.
(Step S908: Evaluation of Second Sample Printing)

Further, the print quality is similarly evaluated for the second sample print result using the print quality evaluation apparatus 400 (step S908 in FIG. 9).
(Step S909: Selection of a sample code having a high score)

Similarly, a second sample printing condition having a high score is obtained (step S909 in FIG. 9). Here, it is assumed that the score of the sample code whose printing position is “B2” is high. Accordingly, when “B2” is selected in the condition selection field 245, a printing condition corresponding to the printing position is obtained as the number of times of printing twice and a scanning speed of 100 mm / s, and these values are input to the fixed parameter setting field 224. (FIG. 20).
(Step S910: Print condition output)

As described above, when two sample prints are obtained and the print condition is determined, this value is determined as the final print condition and output. In this example, when the “print condition copy” button 247 provided in the lower part of the print pattern input field 204 is pressed, the print condition clipboard screen 250 is opened and set in the fixed parameter setting field 224 as shown in FIG. The print conditions are transferred and displayed in the condition list 251 provided on the print condition clipboard screen 250. At the same time, a list of currently set print blocks is also displayed in the block list 252. The print blocks displayed in the block list 252 are displayed in block number order. Each print block also displays a comment added by the user, so that it is easy to determine when there are a plurality of print blocks. From this print condition clipboard screen 250, the user selects a print block for which print conditions are to be set from the block list 252. When the print block is selected, the “Paste to block” button 253 can be pressed (FIG. 21), and the print condition is set to the print block by pressing this button. In this manner, it is possible to search for an appropriate printing condition in the sample printing mode and output an appropriate result obtained. To end the sample print mode, the “close” button 254 is pressed. When this button is pressed, the screen returns to the original editing screen, and a printing block for which printing conditions have been set can be confirmed in the editing display field 202. In the printing block shown in FIG. 21, a two-dimensional code is displayed as printing contents, and the printing condition of the two-dimensional code is set to the printing condition set in the sample printing mode (here, the Q switch frequency is 90 kHz). Spot variable-20, number of times of printing twice, scan speed 100 mm / s, laser power 80%).
(Search parameter)

  In the above example, as a metallic black template, two sample prints are performed in advance, and variable parameters are selected for each sample print (Q switch frequency and spot variable for the first sample print, (Scanning speed) is defined in advance, and recommended printing parameter values are set automatically. As described above, the templates are set in advance in an appropriate combination so that the sample printing conditions are appropriate for each material of the work to be printed. In the sample print mode, the user is instructed of the procedure to be set so that the steps transition in the above-described flowchart of FIG. 9 and the step display column 211. As a result, the user can realize the desired print quality by selecting the material of the workpiece according to the guidance and repeating the sample printing, and the user can easily set the printing conditions without detailed knowledge. In particular, since multiple printing parameters affect each other in a complicated manner, the conventional problem that, in the past, printing conditions had to be determined through trial and error in order to obtain appropriate printing quality depending on the material. Can be eliminated. In addition, since the user has conventionally judged whether the print quality is good or bad by visual inspection, even if the print quality looks good by the user's visual observation, reading is unstable when actually read by a two-dimensional code reader or the like. However, since the above method evaluates whether the printing quality evaluation device can actually perform the reading operation, it is qualitative and reliable regardless of the user's subjectivity. High print quality evaluation is realized. Thus, according to the present embodiment, highly reliable marking can be easily realized.

  Although the number of times of sample printing is set to twice in the above-described metal black template, the sample printing can be repeated three times or more or only once. For example, in the metal black template described above, the laser power is not set as a variable parameter. Therefore, for example, from the second sample print condition setting screen 220B of FIG. 19, it is also possible to execute the third sample print by pressing the “next step” button 246 and specify the laser power as a variable parameter. . In addition, two variable parameters do not necessarily have to be selected, and may be one. In one case, the sample print pattern is displayed so as to extend one-dimensionally in the horizontal or vertical direction. For example, by setting the laser power as the second variable parameter and omitting the first variable parameter, a horizontally long sample print pattern can be obtained.

As described above, the number of times of sample printing is appropriately set in advance according to the workpiece material. In addition, the user can arbitrarily set conditions for sample printing. For example, when a new template is selected, the user can arbitrarily set it including the number of sample prints. The sample printing procedure in this case is shown in FIG. In this method, the procedure from step S2201 to step S2204, that is, the procedure until the first sample printing is performed is the same as that in FIG. Based on the result of the print quality evaluation in step S2204, it is determined in step S2205 whether a desired print quality is obtained. If the desired print quality is obtained here, the process proceeds to step S2206, and the same procedure as in step S910 is performed. On the other hand, if the desired print quality is not obtained, the process proceeds to step S2206-2, the sample print condition is reset, the process returns to step S2203, and the second sample print is performed. Thereafter, this procedure is repeated until a desired print quality is obtained, and if obtained, the process proceeds to step S2206 to finally determine the print conditions as described above.
(Print quality evaluation procedure)

Next, a specific procedure for performing the print quality evaluation by the print quality evaluation apparatus 400, that is, the sample print pattern SP printed on the work is imaged, and the score indicating the reading stability is calculated by the print quality evaluation means 65, A procedure for determining a sample code having a high score, that is, a high print quality will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 24 and 25 and the user interface screens of FIGS. This print quality evaluation procedure corresponds to the sample print evaluation step (steps S904 and S908 in FIG. 9) in the above-described sample print mode. The screens shown in FIGS. 23 to 49 show the user interface screens of the print quality evaluation program displayed on the evaluation display means 72 of FIG. Here, the print quality evaluation program is integrated with the optical information reading program for operating the optical information reading system 2000, and various settings of the optical information reading device 300 can be performed from the optical information reading device operation screen 260 of FIG. it can. In the upper part of the screen, buttons for executing various functions are arranged. Of these, when the “print optimization” button 262 is pressed, the print quality evaluation function can be executed. In this example, the print quality evaluation program for operating the print quality evaluation apparatus 400 is incorporated in the optical information reading program. However, these programs may be configured individually or one program may call the other program. It is also possible to configure.
(Print quality evaluation function)
(Step S2401: Setting work setting conditions)

In order to execute the print quality evaluation function, first, as shown in step S2401 in the flowchart of FIG. 24, workpiece installation conditions are set. Details of this procedure are shown in FIG.
(Step S2501: Start of Print Optimization Screen 270)

  Specifically, when the “print optimization” button 262 is pressed from the optical information reader operation screen 260 of FIG. 23, the print optimization screen 270 of FIG. 26 is displayed. In this screen, a display area 271 is provided on the left side of the screen, and an operation area 272 is provided on the right side of the screen. In the display area 271, an image such as a symbol captured by the imaging unit 51, a real-time image (live view), or the like can be displayed. The operation area 272 is provided with buttons for performing various operations. Here, there are provided a score display field 273 for displaying a score, which will be described later, a graph display field 274, a “report data output” button 275, and the like.

  In this state, only the ID, score, and data are displayed in the item column 273a of the score display column 273, and when print information described later is input, a variable parameter is added to the item column 273a. In the graph display field 274, a graph corresponding to the calculated score is displayed. In the example of FIG. 26, a “live view” button 276, a “print information input” button 277, an “analysis” button 278, a “tuning setting” button 279, a “clear” button 280, and the like are provided in the upper part of the operation area 272. ing. When the “Clear” button 280 is further pressed, the analysis result is cleared.

To execute the print quality evaluation function, first, the lighting conditions and installation conditions are adjusted. When the “live view” button 276 is pressed on the print optimization screen 270 of FIG. 26, a live view screen 290 of FIG. 27 is displayed. On this screen, an image captured by the imaging means 51 is displayed in real time. The user adjusts the illumination while viewing the real-time image (live image).
(Adjusting lighting conditions)

  When the illumination setting button 292 is pressed on the screen of FIG. 27, the illumination setting screen 300 of FIG. 28 is displayed, and the illumination conditions can be set. As described above, the optical information reader 300 can be connected to the external illumination unit 55 in addition to the internal illumination unit 54. When the external lighting unit 55 is connected, the setting of the external lighting unit 55 can also be performed from this screen. Each lighting can be partially lit. Here, illumination is divided (block division) into two inner circumferential rows and one outer circumferential row in the radial direction, and is divided into four directions in the circumferential direction. The user turns on the desired illumination block or turns off the desired illumination block, thereby adjusting the illumination conditions suitable for sample code and link data photography. In addition, it is possible to capture a plurality of images by changing the illumination block and brightness. In this case, the illumination parameter to be changed is also set.

It is also possible to adjust the work and the installation position of the image pickup means 51 while adjusting the illumination while viewing the real-time image. Such adjustment of the installation position can be performed in the next step S2503 in addition to being performed at this stage.
(Tuning setting)

  In addition to detailed adjustment of illumination conditions, settings for tuning processing described later are also performed. Tuning is a process of calculating a score indicating a reading margin of sample code. Specifically, when a “tuning setting” button 279 is pressed from the screen of FIG. 26, a tuning setting screen 310 shown in FIG. 29 is displayed. From this screen, settings are made for individual tuning of the sample code to be read. An image quality adjustment method setting field 311 is provided in the upper part of the screen in FIG. 29, and a brightness change method can be set. Here, the brightness is determined by (gain) × (illumination intensity) × (exposure time). In the brightness adjustment method selection field 312 provided in the image quality adjustment method setting field 311, “image quality priority” or “speed priority” can be selected. When “Image priority” is selected, the exposure time is selected from 30 to 5000 μs, and the maximum value of the gain is limited to 2.0 times. If “speed priority” is selected, the exposure time is set manually and a numerical value can be designated. Here, it can be freely specified in the range of 30 μs to 10000 μs. The maximum gain is set to 5.4 times.

  Furthermore, in the offset setting field 313, the reference point of the image to be captured can be changed. The reference point is a level of brightness that is recognized as black, and this value can be designated as an arbitrary value from 0 to 254. When the specified value is selected, 254 is set.

  The dynamic range setting field 314 is determined by selecting the above-described tuning brightness adjustment method. Here, four options of “Hi-DR”, “High sensitivity”, “Standard”, and “High S / N” are prepared. In “Hi-DR”, the pixel value is converted into a log by dynamic conversion. Expand the range. In “high sensitivity”, the brightness of the pixel value is set to a linear characteristic, and the sensitivity is set to four times. Further, in “standard”, the brightness of the pixel value is a linear characteristic and the sensitivity is doubled. Furthermore, at “high S / N”, the brightness of the pixel value is set to a linear characteristic and the sensitivity is set to 1 time.

In the tuning method setting field 315, two types of “standard” and “filter” can be selected. In “standard”, the input image is processed as it is, and in “filter”, 21 types of pre-processing are executed on the input image, and the processing having the highest reading margin is automatically selected. Here, the pre-processing applies 7 types of image processing of expansion, contraction, open, close, averaging, median, unsharp mask 1 to 3 times, and processes for a total of 22 types of images including no filter. Do. As described above, detailed setting and tuning setting of illumination conditions can be performed from the tuning setting screen 310.
(Step S2502: Presence / absence of input of print information)

Next, print information is input as necessary. Specifically, in step S2502 in the flowchart of FIG. If there is no print information to be input, the process proceeds to step S2503. If print information is to be input, the process proceeds to step S2502-1. In step S2502-1, the print information input screen 320 is displayed and the print information is input. Specifically, the “print information input” button 277 is pressed from the screen of FIG. 26 to display the print information input screen 320 of FIG. On this screen, printing information can be entered.
(Step S2502-2: Presence of print information code)

  In step S2502-2 and subsequent steps, print information is input. In this example, there are two methods for inputting print information: manual input and automatic input. Automatic input is performed by reading the print information code (link data LT). Specifically, in step S2502-2, the presence / absence of a print information code is determined. That is, if there is a print information code, the process proceeds to step S2502-3-2, and the print information code is read. Here, the “Live View” button 321 on the screen of FIG. 30 is pressed to display the live view screen 290 shown in FIG. On this screen, a symbol (link data LT) is displayed, and a “read” button 322 is pressed to perform reading. The read data is decoded, and the value of the decoded data is input to the print information input screen 320 as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if there is no print information code in step S2502-2, the process proceeds to step S2502-3-1 and manual input is performed. Specifically, the user manually inputs print information directly from the screen of FIG. 30 without displaying the screen of FIG. Here, each print parameter constituting the sample print condition is either a fixed parameter (“-” (no setting is selected) in the type selection field 323 in FIG. 32) or a variable parameter (“X” in the type selection field 323 in FIG. 32). (Select horizontal axis) or "Y" (vertical axis)) and specify each value or range. When a variable parameter is selected in the type selection column 323, a range and interval input column is displayed as shown in FIG. Here, the Q switch frequency and spot variable are set as variable parameters, and the range and interval are input.
(Printing information input complete)

When the input of the print information is completed, an “OK” button 324 provided at the lower right of FIG. 32 is pressed to close the print information input screen 320 and return to the print optimization screen 270. Here, when the input printing condition includes a variable parameter, the item field 273a of the score display field 273 provided in the operation area 272 changes so as to include the corresponding variable parameter. Here, as shown in FIG. 33 from the screen of FIG. 26, in addition to the ID number (details will be described later), score and data of the sample code, FR (Q switch frequency) and SV (variable spot) are displayed in the item column 273a. Added. Each item also has a sort display function for sorting by the displayed numerical value (details will be described later). Further, TACT (= (1 / SS) × RE × 1000) (SS is the scan speed, RE is the number of times of printing) can be displayed as an item. Thereby, the printing tact can be estimated and used as an index that the printing tact is faster as the value is smaller.
(Step S2503: Position the target sample code in the live view)

When the print information is designated in this way, the position of the work is adjusted using the live view as necessary so that the sample code to be imaged is displayed on the screen (step S2503).
(Step S2504: Target area setting)

  Furthermore, the target area can be set on the live view screen 290 (step S2504). When setting the target area, the process proceeds to step S2504-1, and a rectangular area is specified on the live view screen 290 so as to surround the sample code with a mouse or the like. For example, among the sample codes displayed on the live view screen 290, the user can designate a target area so that a sample code with a clearly bad print result is excluded from the analysis target in advance. Such designation is performed by the target area setting means 73 shown in the block diagram of FIG. Specifically, a desired target region is set on the captured image with a pointing device (evaluation operation means 71) such as a mouse. The target area may be a free curve as well as a frame designating a diagonal line. Thus, the user selects only the sample code to be analyzed, for example, three lines of the sample code on the live view screen 290 in FIG. Of these, by selecting only the lower two rows (FIG. 44) and limiting the target area OA, the time required for analysis can be reduced.

As described above, the work installation conditions and the like are set. This procedure is an example, and the order of setting can be changed as appropriate. For example, the illumination condition and the printing condition may be input after the workpiece is positioned first.
(Step S2402: Analysis)

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 24, the description of the print quality evaluation function will be continued. When the work installation conditions and the like are set in step S2401, the process proceeds to step S2402, and analysis is executed. Here, the “analysis” button 278 is pressed from the print optimization screen 270 of FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 34, the print quality evaluation means 65 searches the sample code while changing the brightness of the illumination. If the target area is set in step S2504 described above, the visual field displayed on the live view screen 290 is searched if the target area is not set, and a sample code that can be read by image processing is obtained. Extract. The procedure of this analysis process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
(Analysis processing procedure)

  In this analysis processing example, imaging of the sample code is repeated while changing the illumination brightness as the illumination condition. Specifically, first, in step S3501, the brightness of the illumination is set to an initial value. In step S3502, the sample code is imaged. Imaging is performed by the imaging means 51, and at the time of imaging, the field of view is adjusted so that each sample code has a resolution suitable for reading.

  In step S3503, a sample code is extracted from the captured image by the symbol extraction unit 63, and the decoding process of the sample code is performed by the decoding unit 53 or 69. In step S3504, the decoded result is added to the list. In the meantime, as shown in FIG. 34, in the live view image, the captured image of the sample code is displayed with the target area OA overlapped in a frame shape when specified, and a progress bar 293 during code analysis is displayed. When a sample code readable in the field of view is found, the found sample code is displayed in a frame shape as shown in FIG.

  When one imaging is completed in this way, it is determined in step S3505 whether or not imaging has been completed at all brightness levels. If not, the process proceeds to step S3505-1 to set the next brightness. Thus, the process returns to step S3502 to repeat imaging. If imaging with all brightness is completed, the process advances to step S3506.

In step S3506, one target code is selected from the sample codes added to the list. Then, the process proceeds to step S3507, and tuning is executed only for the target code.
(Calculation of print score)

In step S3508, the scores for each brightness are summed to calculate a print score. For the calculation of the print score, the sum of the scores for each brightness is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient, or a value proportional to the sum of the scores for each brightness is adopted as the print score, etc. Various methods are conceivable. When the calculation of the print score for one code is completed, it is determined in step S3509 whether the print scores for all the sample codes have been calculated. If not, the process proceeds to step S3509-1 to change the target code. Then, the process returns to step S3507 to repeat the print score calculation process. When the print score calculation is completed for all the sample codes in this way, the analysis process is terminated.
(Partial lighting pattern of lighting)

In the above example, the example in which only the brightness of the illumination is changed as the change in the illumination condition has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the direction of the illumination can also be changed. For example, in the screen of FIG. 28, a plurality of lighting blocks are selected from a plurality of lighting blocks divided into upper, lower, left, and right, and this is switched to perform imaging while changing the partial lighting pattern of the lighting, and calculate the score. You can also. This provides an advantage that the illumination condition can be appropriately set to a condition suitable for reading.
(Step S2403: Result confirmation)

Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 24, when the analysis of all the sample codes is completed, the process proceeds from step S2402 to step S2403, and the result is confirmed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, the captured image of the sample code is displayed in the display area 271, and the score is displayed as a numerical value and a graph in the operation area 272.
(ID number)

Here, each sample code that has been successfully read is assigned an ID number in the order of discovery. For example, ID numbers are sequentially added, such as “1-1” for the first sample code found in the first analysis and “1-2” for the second found code. Nine sample codes have been found here. In addition, a history column 281 is provided in the lower part of the display area 271, and the reduced image 282 of the first analysis result is displayed as a thumbnail. When the second and subsequent analyzes are performed, thumbnail images are added to the history column 282. When a thumbnail image is selected, the corresponding analysis result is displayed in the upper display area 271. Thus, the thumbnail image functions as a switching unit for the display area 271.
(Color-coded display)

  Furthermore, each discovered sample code is displayed in different colors. The color-coded display shows the reading stability to the user, depending on the score, the sample code with a high score that can be read stably is blue, the sample code with a medium score is green, the sample code with a low score is red, etc. According to the result, it is possible to visually distinguish a sample code that is easy to read.

  In the operation area 272, the calculated score and its graph are displayed in the score display column 273 and the graph display column 274 in order of the ID number of each sample code. In the graph display field 274, a cross-shaped red line indicates a point (plot point) selected by the user. Specifically, the score display field 273, the graph display field 274, and each point and record displayed in the display area 271 and the two-dimensional code are displayed in conjunction with each other. When an object is selected, it is highlighted in other areas. FIG. 37 shows a state when the record of ID 1-1 (this score is “8”) is selected in the score display field 273. In the graph display field 274, the leftmost score having the score “8” is shown. A cross-shaped red line is displayed so that the point is emphasized.

  Here, when the sample code can be read at each brightness while changing the brightness of the illumination as the score value, the margin for individual reading is calculated. When reading is performed while changing the brightness of the illumination, the score of the sample code in which a high reading margin is obtained with a wide range of brightness increases.

  When tuning is re-executed on the live view screen 290, a tuning result display field 294 is added, and a more detailed tuning result can be displayed. Here, when a desired sample code is selected from sample codes that have been successfully read and displayed in the display area 271 of FIG. 37 (or when tuning is performed again after selecting the desired sample code), this sample code is displayed. Are displayed on the live view screen 290. For example, when the sample code with ID number 1-1 in FIG. 37 is selected, the corresponding sample code with ID number 1-1 is shown in a frame as shown in the live view screen 290B in FIG. A graph showing the relationship between the brightness and the level of the result is displayed in the tuning result display field 294. When the sample code with ID number 1-4 in FIG. 37 is selected, the sample code with ID number 1-4 and the tuning result are displayed in the tuning result display field 294 as shown in the live view screen 290C in FIG. .

  It is also possible to compare the scores of the sample codes. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 40, the tuning history list 295 is displayed, and the graphs of the tuning results of the two sample codes are displayed in the tuning result display area 296 at the lower right of the screen. The plot values of the graph are color-coded, and details of each sample code are displayed in the corresponding color in the tuning history list 295 at the upper left of the screen. As a result, the reading results of the sample codes can be easily compared, and the sample code showing a more preferable reading result can be easily selected.

In this way, a sample code having a preferable print quality is selected based on the score. In selecting the sample code, the user selects a desired sample code based on the calculated score value. In particular, the user can select a sample code that is likely to be read most stably while comparing the sample codes showing a suitable score in the display area 271 with different colors. In particular, an appropriate selection can be made according to the distribution state of the color-coded sample codes. For example, even if a green sample code has a high score, if the score of an adjacent sample code is low, the reading stability may be deteriorated if the printing conditions fluctuate even slightly. On the contrary, if a sample code is selected from an area where there are many green sample codes in the surrounding area, stable reading can be performed even if the printing conditions slightly change. In this way, by displaying the score levels in different colors, the user can select a sample code that can expect a more stable reading result while referring to the distribution state. In addition to the color-coded display of the sample code, for example, as shown in FIG. 41, the distribution state can be displayed in a contour line 284. Or it is not restricted to such a user's selection, The sample code which showed the highest score can also be selected automatically by the printing quality evaluation program side. If the user cannot select a desired sample code after confirming the result of step S2403, the process may return to step S2503 (FIG. 25) again and the analysis of step S2402 may be repeated. In this case, steps S2501 to S2502 in FIG. 25 can be omitted.
(Step S2404: Result output)

When the sample code having the optimum print quality is selected in this way, the result is output by the evaluation output means (step S2404). Specifically, the evaluation result and identification information are displayed on the evaluation display means 72, printed, or the identification information and printing conditions are directly output as data to the laser marking device. With such an output, it is possible to perform feedback of print quality evaluation to the laser marking apparatus 1000. Here, based on the print quality evaluation, the user manually sets the print conditions of the laser marking device 1000 (steps S904 and 908 in FIG. 9). Of course, the laser marking device and the print quality evaluation device may be connected wirelessly or by wire, and an FB signal based on the print quality evaluation result may be generated by the print quality evaluation device and fed back to the laser marking device. Is possible. In the above example, sample printing using a laser marking device and printing quality evaluation using a printing quality evaluation device have been described using separate sample works. Of course, when the same sample work is used, the number of matrices is the same.
(Report output)

Report output can also be performed. When a “report data output” button 275 provided at the lower right of the screen is pressed from the screen of FIG. 37 or the like, the score result is output as a report. The output can be used in various forms, for example, displayed on a screen, printed on paper or the like, or sent to a laser marking device or other external device connected to a print quality evaluation device. . As a report output format, for example, as shown in FIG. 42, a score is displayed for each element of the sample print pattern displayed in the matrix form 285. Also at this time, the elements may be displayed in different colors according to the score values. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 43, it can be displayed on the contour line 284B so as to show the distribution state of the score values color-coded.
(Combine multiple images)

  As described above, it is necessary to adjust the field of view so that each sample code has a resolution suitable for reading during imaging. At this time, when the number of sample codes is large or the size of the sample codes is large, it may be impossible to capture all the sample codes on one screen. In such a case, it is necessary to shoot in multiple times. This state will be described with reference to FIGS. 44 to 46. First, as shown in FIG. 37, when the first imaging (or analysis) is completed, the “live view” button 276 is pressed to display the live view screen 290. Then, as shown in FIG. 44, the field of view is adjusted to the second captured image. In this example, the target area OA to be analyzed is specified in a frame shape. Similarly to the above, when returning to the print optimization screen 270 of FIG. 37 and pressing the “analyze” button 278, analysis is performed on a new captured image, and the result is displayed as shown in FIG. . Here, in the history column 281 of the display area 271, a reduced image 282B of the second captured image is added as a thumbnail. If necessary, as shown in FIG. 46, the read images can be combined and the analysis results can be displayed in different colors on one screen. In this way, all sample codes can be imaged with an appropriate resolution and the analysis results can be compared.

The print quality evaluation program also includes a print parameter sort display function and a score matrix display function as analysis assist functions.
(Sort display function)

The print parameter sort display function is a function for sorting each print parameter displayed in the score display field 273. For example, as shown in FIG. 47, the score display field 273 is sorted by ID number by default, and the score value for each ID number is displayed in a line graph in the graph display field 274. In this state, when a desired item, for example, FR (Q switch frequency) is pressed from the item column 273a of the score display column 273, the display content of the score display column 273 is a variable parameter as shown in FIG. In addition, the display in the graph display field 274 is changed to display the score value for each Q switch frequency instead of the ID number. Thereby, for example, the tendency that the score value becomes good when the Q switch frequency is 40 kHz or more can be grasped. Similarly, if SV (spot variable) is pressed, as shown in FIG. 49, the score display field 273 switches to a display form sorted by variable spot values, and the graph display field 274 also displays the score value for each variable spot. Changed to graph. In each screen, the ascending order and descending order can be switched by pressing the FR in the item column 273a again. This makes it easy for the user to compare each sample code by item.
(Score matrix display function)

Furthermore, the score can be displayed in a matrix as an output form of the analysis result. As shown in FIG. 50, this function displays score values in a matrix 285B constituting the sample print pattern, that is, in a matrix in which two types of variable parameters are changed vertically and horizontally. Similarly, in this matrix display, a color-coded display according to the score value can be added. The colors used in these color-coded displays are the same as the colors used in the display area 271, so that the user can easily grasp the score value distribution state visually. As a result, as described above, when selecting an appropriate sample code, that is, a printing condition, it is easy to intuitively select a position where a stable score can be expected even if the printing condition varies somewhat.
(Modification of identification information)

  The example in which the sample code is used as a two-dimensional code and the print position is directly encoded using the two-dimensional code as identification information has been described. In this method, since the print position of the sample code in the sample print pattern is directly associated with the print condition, the sample code is decoded by the identification information recognition unit 67 or the decoding units 53 and 69. The printing conditions can be easily specified. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. If the print position can be determined by another method by associating the print position with the print condition in advance without encoding the print position in the sample code itself, the print condition is specified in the same manner. It becomes possible to do.

  For example, instead of a two-dimensional code as a sample code, character string information composed of characters, numbers, and the like can be printed as identification information. In this case, as shown in FIG. 51, A1, A2,. . . If the character string information is constituted by the combination of the line number and the column number and the sample print pattern SP3 is recognized by the OCR on the print quality evaluation apparatus 400 side, the print condition is the same as the sample code of the two-dimensional code. Can be obtained directly. As shown in FIG. 52, a sample code in which such character string information CI is added to the symbol SB of the two-dimensional code may be used. In this case, the print position can be specified from either the character string information or the two-dimensional code. Alternatively, the printing position can be specified from the character string information without encoding the printing conditions in the two-dimensional code. For example, the same two-dimensional code may be repeatedly printed. Alternatively, the two-dimensional code portion can be replaced with link data. In either case, the print position can be easily specified by reading the character string information with the optical information reader.

  Alternatively, a pattern or the like can be used as identification information instead of such character string information. That is, identification information indicating the printing position or printing condition is printed as a specific pattern, and the correspondence between the specific pattern and the printing position or printing condition is stored in the identification information reference unit 36 in advance on the printing condition setting device 200A side. Thus, if the specific pattern can be specified on the print quality evaluation device 400 side, the print position or the print condition corresponding to the specific pattern is indirectly understood by referring to the identification information reference means 36 on the print condition setting device 200A side. It can also be a specific method. The identification information reference means 36 holds a correspondence table in which the correspondence relationship is recorded. Thus, it is not essential for the print quality evaluation apparatus side to grasp the print conditions, and it is sufficient if the print conditions can be finally specified on the laser marking apparatus side. Therefore, the print quality evaluation device selects sample data with high print quality, and if it can grasp the identification information added to the selected sample data, sends it to the laser marking device side, so that the laser marking device can identify the identification information. The printing position or printing condition can be specified directly or indirectly according to the correspondence relationship. Alternatively, the print quality evaluation apparatus 400 may have a correspondence storage unit 70 that records the correspondence between the identification information and the print position. As described above, the correspondence table for identifying the correspondence between the specific pattern and the printing position or the printing condition can be held in the correspondence storage unit 70 or the identification information reference unit 36 shown in FIG. As described above, the correspondence between the printing position and the printing condition is that the printing position in the sample printing pattern corresponds to a matrix-like position obtained by changing the two variable parameters on the vertical axis and the horizontal axis. The variable parameter value at the print position can be uniquely determined from the minimum value, maximum value, and interval of each variable parameter. Furthermore, the values of other fixed parameters can be acquired from link data or the like. The operation for specifying the printing condition from the identification information may be performed by the printing quality evaluation apparatus, or may be performed by the optical information reader, and the obtained printing condition is sent to the laser marking apparatus. You can also.

Note that the correspondence relationship between the printing position and the printing condition does not necessarily correspond to the matrix shape described above. That is, if the identification condition such as the specific pattern attached to the symbol can be uniquely specified and the identification condition and the printing condition have a one-to-one correspondence, the printing quality evaluation device side sets the printing condition based on the identification information. Can be identified. For example, even if the sample print pattern printed in a matrix is printed with the vertical and horizontal axes interchanged, the print condition can be specified from the identification information if the correspondence is maintained. Alternatively, even if the variable parameters are not continuously printed in a matrix form, but different variable parameters are randomly assigned to each matrix element, the identification information that each element has and its If the correspondence relationship with the printing condition when printing an element can be uniquely determined, the printing condition can be specified by referring to the correspondence table in which the correspondence relationship is recorded. However, if the change of the variable parameter is randomly arranged without being continuously arranged, it is difficult to grasp the whole range in which the variable parameter can be stably read. In particular, the above-described distribution state of the score values is displayed in a contour line, and a stable area cannot be grasped. Therefore, it can be said that it is preferable to use a matrix-like sample print pattern arranged according to the change of the variable parameter as described above. Such a print position is specified by the print position recognizing means 68 shown in FIG. In addition, the correspondence table is not limited to the one that records the correspondence between the specific pattern and the printing position, and can also record the correspondence between the printing condition and the printing position.
(Example 2)

  Hereinafter, as a second embodiment, an example of a sample print pattern in which identification information is given to a specific pattern will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following example, the sample code includes a symbol SB and a specific pattern for specifying the print position of each symbol. The specific pattern is printed near the symbol, for example, around it. In the example of FIG. 53, the symbol SB is configured by a two-dimensional code, and a delimiter line DL that delimits each symbol printed in a matrix is used as a specific pattern. That is, it becomes a delimiter pattern in which each two-dimensional code is printed in a lattice pattern delimited by the delimiter line DL.

By specifying the print position by the specific pattern, the print condition corresponding to this print position can be specified on the laser marking device side. A symbol can also be used for specifying the printing position. For example, when the directionality is determined by the symbol, the vertical / horizontal distinction can be determined by the direction of the symbol. For example, when a QR code is used for the symbol SB as shown in FIG. 53, the directionality of the QR code can be determined based on the position of the finder pattern. In other words, even if the workpiece is imaged in a rotated posture, it can be correctly processed by rotating the finder pattern to the upper left.
(When determining coordinates from the whole structure of the separator)

  Here, a method for distinguishing and specifying the print position of each sample code from the overall image of the sample print pattern as shown in FIG. 53 will be described. Here, the coordinates are determined from the whole structure of the delimiter which is a specific pattern. Specifically, the dividing line is printed in an L shape at the lower left, and this L-shaped pattern LP is not seen in other parts. Therefore, the L-shaped pattern LP is used as a reference for the coordinate axis, and the coordinate position is calculated by image processing based on the posture at which the L-shaped pattern LP is located at the lower left. That is, with the lower left of the L-shaped pattern LP as the origin, the print position of each sample code can be expressed by coordinates based on the origin, for example, (x, y) coordinates. Further, the position of the origin and the way of taking the coordinate axes are examples, and it goes without saying that other methods (for example, r, θ) can be arbitrarily adopted. As described above, the QR code finder pattern can be used to correct the orientation of the image, that is, the rotation angle.

  If the direction cannot be determined by the symbol pattern, for example, as shown in FIG. 54, in the case of a graphic symbol SB2 (in this case, a QR code finder pattern) having the same shape when viewed from the top, bottom, left, or right, a specific pattern It is necessary to define the direction only by. At this time, in addition to the L-shaped pattern described above, it is also possible to change the line type of the dividing line. For example, in the example of FIG. 54, the horizontal axis is the solid line DL2 and the vertical axis is the broken line DL3 among the vertical and horizontal dividing lines. Thereby, the directivity can be defined only by the specific pattern, and if the directivity is determined, the coordinate position of each symbol can be specified based on the origin at the lower left as described above.

  Note that the specific pattern is always printed under a constant printing condition (specific printing condition) as in the case of the link data described above. In other words, the printing conditions are not changed like the sample code. This is because it is difficult to specify the printing position when the printing condition of the specific pattern is changed and the specific pattern is not partially printed. Therefore, the specific pattern is set to a printing condition different from that of the sample code.

However, even if the specific pattern is not partially printed, it is possible to interpolate from other parts by the specific pattern estimation means. As the specific pattern estimation means, known means for performing line interpolation, such as image processing, can be used. For example, when the material of the workpiece is partially changed, or when the surface includes irregularities or curved surfaces, it is possible that the printing of the straight line is partially interrupted due to the influence of the groundwork. Even in such a case, if it is a straight line, the portion lost by the image processing can be estimated and interpolated. Further, even when the specific pattern is circular as in the example of FIG. 60 described later, similarly, interpolation can be performed from other parts of the arc. In addition, as described above, the conditions for the base processing can be set so that the base can be easily printed by the preprocessing.
(Print quality evaluation procedure for sample print patterns using specific patterns)

Next, the procedure for evaluating the print quality with the sample print pattern using such a specific pattern will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In this figure, steps S5501 to S5502 are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG. When the analysis ends in step S5502, an image is synthesized as necessary in step S5503 '. In this specific pattern, the print position is grasped after obtaining the entire image of the sample print pattern. In other words, the print position cannot be specified in the partial image obtained by capturing a part of the sample print pattern. Therefore, when the images are divided into a plurality of images, it is necessary to synthesize the obtained partial images. The image configuration recognizes common parts included in the image by image processing and combines them so that they are overlapped. In addition, when a predetermined division pattern is determined, sequentially captured images are sequentially connected. Also, the image composition process can be performed in parallel with other processes. Note that this step is not necessary if the entire sample print pattern can be captured with a single captured image. Subsequent steps S5503 and subsequent steps are the same as steps S2403 and subsequent steps in FIG. 24, and the print position is specified from the specific pattern extracted by the specific pattern extracting means 64, and the print condition is specified.
(When specifying coordinate information from a delimiter pattern)

  In the above method, it is necessary to image the entire sample print pattern in order to specify the coordinate position from the entire dividing line. However, when sample printing is performed while changing the sample printing conditions, there are also sample codes printed as thin as difficult to visually recognize as a result of changing to many conditions. It is obvious that the printing conditions of such sample code are inappropriate, but even in such a case, if the entire image of the sample printing pattern has to be always taken, it may be inefficient. . In particular, if the imaging field of view is to be widened, the resolution is lowered, and decoding becomes difficult. For this reason, if a certain level of resolution is to be ensured, the visual field range that can be included in a single imaging operation is limited. On the other hand, the size of the sample print pattern may become large depending on the change range and change width of the sample print condition and the size of the sample code. For this reason, it can often be said that it is more convenient to be able to specify the print position not only from the whole image of the sample print pattern but also from a partially cut out image. Next, a print position specifying method capable of specifying the print position from only a part of the sample print pattern will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the example of FIG. 56, since the QR code is used for the symbol SB, the directionality can be naturally determined. That is, the vertical axis and the horizontal axis can be made common. Then, the line type is changed so that the number of the dividing line in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction from the origin can be distinguished. In this example, the first line is a solid line, the second line is a broken line, and the third line is a one-dot chain line. Thereby, even when an arbitrary sample code is imaged, the print position of this sample code can be specified by including a separator line printed around it. The line types are distinguished by the identification information recognition means 67 shown in FIG. Specifically, the separator line is detected by pattern search, edge detection, etc., the line type of the separator line around the symbol is specified, and the print position corresponding to this combination is held in the correspondence recording means. Get by referring to the correspondence table.

  Even when a code such as a QR code that can define the directionality is not used for the symbol, the print position can be similarly determined from the dividing line by changing all the vertical and horizontal line types as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 57, the first vertical axis is a chain line, the second is a one-dot chain line, the third is a two-dot chain line, and the first horizontal axis is the solid line, the second is a short one-dot chain line, and the third is a dotted line. Yes. As a result, no matter which print position sample code is imaged, the surrounding separator lines surrounding the symbol SB2 are different from the four, so the print position can be specified by examining the combination of the patterns.

When the coordinates are determined from the delimiter pattern in this way, the position can be determined by the line types of the two delimiter patterns sandwiching the symbol in one direction of each of the X coordinate and the Y coordinate. The number of combinations that can be identified is 2 ^N when there are N types of separator lines. For example, when there are two types of line types, a straight line and a broken line, 2 ² = 4 types of coordinate positions can be distinguished. Similarly, when there are three line types, 2 ³ = 8 types of coordinate positions, and when there are four line types, 2 ⁴ = 16 types of coordinate positions can be distinguished. Since the coordinate position in one direction can be confirmed by such a combination of line types, as described above, when the directionality can be defined by the symbol, only one direction can be confirmed, and when the directionality cannot be defined by the symbol, the X direction and the Y direction By applying a combination of different line types in each direction, it is possible to specify the coordinate position, that is, the symbol printing position.

  In addition, it is possible to distinguish the dividing lines by the number of dividing lines in addition to the line type. For example, as shown in FIG. 58, the horizontal and vertical directions can be distinguished by setting the horizontal dividing line to one line and the vertical axis to two dividing lines.

  Furthermore, when the dividing line is a plurality of lines, more combinations can be expressed by changing the line type of each line constituting the dividing line. For example, as shown in FIG. 59, among the two separator lines, the line indicating the coordinate axis is a combination of a solid line and a solid line, and the other separator line is a combination of a solid line and a broken line. Can be distinguished. Moreover, if the combination of the line types of each line is changed at a dividing line other than the coordinate axes, these can be distinguished from each other. Further, the number of the plurality of lines is not limited to two and may be three or more. Not only straight lines but also wavy lines and saw-toothed lines, and dotted dots are composed of dots, □, Δ, rhombus, outline only hollow points, etc. Available.

Further, in the above example, the example in which the specific pattern is configured in a straight line has been described. However, the specific pattern may include a curve. For example, as shown in FIG. 60, the partition line of the specific pattern can be a circular DL3 surrounding the sample code. Even if it is such a specific pattern, the direction of the sample print pattern can be determined by using a type that can specify the directionality like a QR code for the symbol, and the reference area such as the lower left of the whole image can be used as a base point. The print position can be specified. Further, as described above, the directionality and the reference position can be defined by changing the line type of the specific pattern. For example, if only the circular dividing line located in the lower left is printed with a broken line, the posture and the reference position can be specified by extracting this. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 61, by adding a saddle-shaped pattern LP2 individually to the lower left of a symbol to a specific pattern attached to each symbol, the directionality can be determined even if only individual sample codes are imaged. It is possible to save the trouble of capturing the entire print pattern.
(Procedure for evaluating print quality in sample print patterns with specific pattern information)

  Next, when the print quality evaluation is performed using the sample code in which the identification information is included in the specific pattern without including the specific information in the symbol (or having only information for distinguishing the directionality) as described above. The analysis procedure (step S2402 in the flowchart of FIG. 24) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In this figure, steps S6201 to S6209 are the same as steps S3501 to S3509 in FIG. 35 described above.

  In step S6209, when calculation of the print scores of all codes is completed, the process proceeds to step S6210, and coordinate information is acquired. Specifically, based on the identification information, here, the specific pattern, the coordinate position, that is, the print position in the sample print pattern of the symbol with the specific pattern is specified. Here, the specific pattern attached around the symbol is extracted by the specific pattern extracting means 64, and the coordinate position of the symbol is acquired from the specific pattern. Specifically, as described above, the identification information recognition unit 67 in FIG. 1 specifies the line types of the separator lines around the symbols, and the print position corresponding to this combination is held in the correspondence recording unit. Get by referring to the correspondence table. When the print position is acquired in this way, the result is output according to step S2403 and subsequent steps in FIG.

  In this example, the coordinates of each code are obtained collectively after completing the print score calculation for all the codes, but the present invention is not limited to this method. For example, the procedure may be such that after calculating the score for each code, after obtaining the coordinate position, the process proceeds to calculating the score of another code.

As described above, the identification information indicating the printing position of the sample code does not necessarily need to be encoded into the symbol, and such identification information is incorporated into the specific pattern and the pattern is associated with each printing condition in advance. Thus, the printing conditions can be specified from the correspondence. Further, in this configuration, since it is not necessary to give identification information to the symbols, each symbol can be made small, and there is an advantage that the print area necessary for printing the entire sample print pattern can be made small.
(Example 3)

  As described above, the symbol and the specific pattern constituting the sample code each fulfill the functions of evaluating the print quality with the symbol and specifying the print position with the specific pattern. In the above example, an example in which a two-dimensional code is mainly used as a symbol has been described. When a two-dimensional code is used, identification information such as a printing position can be encoded into the two-dimensional code. However, the purpose of print quality evaluation can be achieved with a symbol that can evaluate print quality without using a complete code that can encode some information. In particular, when a symbol is a complete code, a suitable size is required for encoding information, but depending on the work to be printed, a sufficient print size may not be ensured. Also, when the variable parameter is changed finely, the sample print pattern becomes large because the number of sample codes increases. Therefore, even if the information cannot be encoded, the necessary print area is suppressed by using symbols that can evaluate the print quality to such an extent that the print parameter value can be determined, and more variable parameters can be evaluated. Is possible. Hereinafter, examples of such symbols will be described with reference to FIGS. In these examples, the symbols are intended for evaluation of print quality, and the print position is specified by the specific pattern as described above.

The evaluation of the print quality does not necessarily mean that the symbol can be decoded, but includes that the cell size of the symbol can be recognized, and that the contrast of black and white can be recognized. In addition, for print quality evaluation between a plurality of cells, contrast and print uniformity can be mentioned. For print quality evaluation of a single cell, shapes such as thinning and edge strength (edge sharpness) can be mentioned. It is done.
(Evaluation pattern)

  An evaluation pattern is printed as a pattern formed by a unit capable of evaluating the print quality of a cell, which is a minimum unit constituting the symbol, as a pattern for evaluating the print quality of the symbol. Here, it is evaluated whether the cells constituting the evaluation pattern are correctly printed in the intended shape. In addition, the evaluation pattern is printed in place of the symbol described above, and the specific pattern described above is added. Thereby, the relative position of the evaluation patterns, that is, the print position can be specified by recognizing a specific pattern such as a dividing line attached around the evaluation pattern.

  Examples of evaluation patterns are shown in FIGS. In order to perform these print quality evaluations, scoring is performed for individual patterns in the captured image obtained by capturing the evaluation pattern. Here, the printing score is calculated using a plurality of acquired scores by changing the brightness of the illumination. For the calculation of the print score, for example, the total value of each score value can be used as in the method described in the first embodiment.

  In the evaluation pattern EP1 in FIG. 63, black and white cells are arranged in a 2 × 2 cell grid. In this evaluation pattern print quality evaluation, brightness values of white cells and black cells are individually acquired, and contrast and uniformity are calculated. Also, the shape of white cells and black cells is evaluated, and the thickness and edge sharpness (edge strength) are calculated.

On the other hand, FIG. 64 shows a finder pattern (FP) shape used for a QR code or the like. The finder pattern shape evaluation pattern EP2 can be searched from the ratio of the line width data, as in the FP detection of the QR code. For example, the finder pattern of QR code is standardized so that the ratio of white cells to black cells is (1: 1: 3: 1: 1) in the vertical and horizontal center lines. Therefore, the print quality evaluation of this evaluation pattern EP2 acquires the brightness and uniformity of the print color at the central black portion. Also, the brightness and uniformity of the background color are acquired from the white frame portion. This allows the contrast and uniformity to be calculated. Furthermore, the thickness of the white frame can be acquired and the thickness can be calculated. Furthermore, the edge definition can be calculated by evaluating the edges of the white frame and the black frame.
(Specific example of evaluation calculation)

  Here, a specific example of the evaluation pattern evaluation method will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the pixel value of the code is calculated. For example, consider a case where a finder pattern-like evaluation pattern EP2 as shown in FIG. 64 is picked up and a picked-up image as shown in FIG. 65 is picked up. By subjecting this to image processing or the like, the target area OA is determined as shown in FIG. 66, the pixel values in the target area OA are calculated, and a histogram HG as shown in FIG. 67 is obtained. In this histogram HG, the area surrounded by the left ellipse corresponds to the central black square area (black area), and the area surrounded by the right ellipse is the surrounding white area (white area) surrounding the black area. Respectively. Further, when the black area is shown on the image of FIG. 65, it is as shown in FIG. 68, and the white area is an area sandwiched between the rectangles shown in FIG.

  Here, the contrast can be expressed by (average of white area) − (average of black area), and uniformity can be expressed by (standard deviation of white area) + (standard deviation of black area).

Regarding edge analysis, the thickness of the frame can be expressed by the distance between the edges, and the edge sharpness can be expressed by the value of the differential waveform at the edge position. For example, in the rectangular shape shown in FIG. 70, the state of scanning in the X direction and averaging in the Y direction to detect the edge position is shown in the graph of FIG. In this graph, the thick line indicates the pixel value, and the thin line indicates the differential value. In this way, the peak of the differential waveform is recognized as an edge.
(Pattern scalability)

In FIG. 63 described above, a grid-like + is formed with a minimum size of 2 × 2 black and white cells. However, when there is a lot of noise around the print area, or when the print quality varies due to factors such as the material of the workpiece and the characteristics are not stable, evaluation with such a small size becomes difficult. Therefore, it is preferable to increase the amount of information on the print side and perform data averaging and evaluation of variation. As such an example, for example, the 2 × 2 cell grid evaluation pattern of FIG. 63 is changed to 3 × 3 cells as in the evaluation pattern EP3 of FIG. 72, or 4 × 4 cells as of the evaluation pattern EP4 of FIG. The grid-like evaluation pattern is increased. Alternatively, the finder pattern-like evaluation pattern EP2 in FIG. 64 is changed from (1: 1: 2: 1: 1) to the evaluation pattern EP5 shown in FIG. 74 (1: 1: 3: 1: 1), or FIG. As shown in the evaluation pattern EP6, the evaluation pattern can be enlarged so as to have a ratio of (1: 1: 4: 1: 1). By increasing the evaluation size in this way, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise and variations and to evaluate more stable printing quality.
(Direction specific pattern)

  In each of the above examples, an example of a symmetrical shape is shown in which the directionality cannot be distinguished only by the evaluation pattern. However, the shape is not limited to such a shape, and the evaluation pattern may have a shape that can distinguish the directionality. For example, the grid-like evaluation pattern EP4 in FIG. 73 is changed to an evaluation pattern EP7 as shown in FIG. In the evaluation pattern of FIG. 76, a hook-like pattern LP3 is superimposed on the lower left as a directionality specifying pattern that defines the directionality. Thereby, it becomes an asymmetrical shape like FIG. 61 mentioned above, and an attitude | position can be specified. Also, the finder pattern evaluation pattern EP6 in FIG. 75 is changed to an evaluation pattern EP8 shown in FIG. In this example, since the pattern near the origin, that is, the lower left pattern is changed to the stepped pattern LP4, the posture of the evaluation pattern can be grasped similarly by detecting this portion by image processing or the like. As a result, the directionality can be determined with the evaluation pattern, so that the print position can be specified without specifying the directionality with the specific pattern.

  As described above, the print quality evaluation apparatus can calculate the print quality of the sample code printed with the sample and quantitatively determine the print condition most suitable for reading. By feeding this result back to the laser marking device, laser marking with improved reading stability can be realized more accurately than the user's visual judgment.

  A printing quality evaluation system, a laser marking device, a printing condition setting device, a printing quality evaluation device, a printing condition setting program, a printing quality evaluation program, and a computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention are printed on a workpiece with a laser marking device. It can be suitably used for a system that reads and evaluates a dimension code with a two-dimensional code reader and feeds back the result to the printing conditions of the laser marking device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1000 ... Laser marking apparatus 2000 ... Optical information reading system 100 ... Marking part 200 ... Printing condition setting part; 200A ... Printing condition setting apparatus 300 ... Optical information reading apparatus 400 ... Print quality evaluation apparatus 10 ... Laser control part; 1A ... Controller 11 ... Laser control circuit 12 ... Laser excitation section 13 ... Excitation power supply 14 ... Print memory section; 14B ... Print storage section 15 ... Optical fiber cable 20 ... Laser output section 21 ... Laser oscillation section 22 ... Laser medium 23 ... Beam expander 24 ... Condenser 25 ... Scanner drive circuit 26 ... Laser beam scanning unit 27 ... Scanner 27a ... X-axis scanner; 27b ... Y-axis scanner; 27c ... Z-axis scanner 27d ... Scanner mirrors 28, 28a, 28b for pointers ... Galvano motor 29A ... Light source for guide; 29a ... half mirror 29B ... for pointer 29b ... fixed mirror 31 ... print operation means 32 ... parameter setting means 33 ... print condition generation means 34 ... print data generation means 35 ... print data output means 36 ... identification information reference means 37 ... setting display means 38 ... print information code Setting means 38a ... Link data print check box; 38b ... Cell size designation column 40 ... Print calculation unit 51 ... Imaging means 52 ... Imaging control means 53 ... Decoding means 54 ... Internal illumination unit 55 ... External illumination unit 56 ... Symbol extraction means 61 ... Image acquisition means 62 ... Extraction means 63 ... Symbol extraction means 64 ... Specific pattern extraction means 65 ... Print quality evaluation means 66 ... Recognition means 67 ... Identification information recognition means 68 ... Print position recognition means 69 ... Decoding means 70 ... Correspondence Relation storage means 71... Evaluation operation means 72... Evaluation display means 73... Target area setting means 202. Display field 204 ... print pattern input field; 204a ... processing type designation field; 204b ... character input field 204c ... detail setting field; 204d ... character data designation field; 204e ... "print data" tab 204f ... "size / position"tab; 204g ... "Printing condition" tab 204h ... "Basic setting"tab; 204i ... "Shape setting" tab 204j ... "Detail setting"tab; 204q ... Type designation column 206 ... Three-dimensional viewer column 208 ... "Test printing" button 209 ... "Sample print" button 210 ... Template selection screen 211 ... Step display field 213 ... Template button group 215 ... "Transfer / read" button 220 ... First sample print condition setting screen; 220B ... Second sample print condition setting screen 221 ... Print Data designation field; 221a ... Code type designation field; 221b ... Cell size designation field 2 21c ... Print line width designation field; 221d ... Dot number designation field; 221e ... Printing method designation field 222 ... Sample printing condition designation field 223 ... Variable parameter setting field; 223a ... Vertical axis slider; 223b ... Horizontal axis slider 224 ... Fixed parameter Setting field 225 ... Layout setting field 226 ... "Detailed setting" button 227 ... Condition report selection field 228 ... Print line width details button 230A, 230B ... Detailed setting screen;
231A ... "Print information"tab; 231B ... "Two-dimensional code" tab 232 ... Coordinate axis display means 233 ... Condition report display means 234 ... Character height designation field 235 ... Specific print condition designation means 236 ... Type selection field 237 ... Detailed settings Field 238 ... Background processing condition setting field 240 ... Print line width detailed setting screen 242 ... Print mode setting field 243 ... Print mode selection means 244 ... "Trigger" button 245 ... Condition selection field 246 ... "To next step" button 247 ... " Print condition copy button 250 ... Print condition clipboard screen 251 ... Condition list 252 ... Block list 253 ... "Paste to block" button 254 ... "Close" button 260 ... Optical information reader operation screen 262 ... "Print optimization" Button 270 ... Print optimization screen 271 ... Display area 272 ... Operation area 273 ... Score display 273a ... item column 274 ... graph display column 275 ... "report data output" button 276 ... "live view" button 277 ... "print information input" button 278 ... "analyze" button 279 ... "tuning setting" button 280 ... ""Clear" button 281 ... History column 282, 282B ... Reduced image 284, 284B ... Contour line display 285, 285B ... Matrix 290, 290B, 290C ... Live view screen 292 ... Illumination setting button 293 ... Progress bar 294 ... Tuning result display column 295 ... tuning history list 296 ... tuning result display area 300 ... lighting setting screen 310 ... tuning setting screen 311 ... image quality adjustment method setting field 312 ... brightness adjustment method selection field 313 ... offset setting field 314 ... dynamic range setting field 315 ... tuning Legal setting column 320 ... Print information input screen 321 ... "Live view" button 322 ... "Read execution" button 323 ... Type selection column 324 ... "OK" button 500 ... Print list; 501 ... Print sample LB ... Laser beam; PB ... Pointer beam; GB ... guide laser beam WK ... work; WS ... work area SP ... sample print pattern; SL ... sample print condition character string; SC ... sample code SP1 ... first sample print pattern; SL1 ... first sample print condition character Column SP2 ... second sample print pattern; SL2 ... second sample print condition character string SC2 ... second sample code:
LT ... link data SP3 ... sample print pattern SB, SB2 ... symbol; CI ... character string information LP ... L-shaped pattern DL ... separator line; DL2 ... solid line; DL3 ... broken line; DL4 ... circular LP2, LP3 ... bowl-like pattern; LP4 ... Step-like patterns EP1 to EP8 ... Evaluation pattern OA ... Target area; HG ... Histogram

Claims (23)

A laser marking device capable of printing a plurality of symbols with different printing conditions on an object to be printed;
A print quality evaluation device for evaluating the print quality of each symbol based on a captured image obtained by imaging a plurality of symbols with different printing conditions printed on a print object by the laser marking device;
A print quality evaluation system including
The laser marking device is
Parameter setting means capable of setting at least one of the plurality of print parameters constituting the print condition as a variable parameter and different as a fixed parameter for making the print condition different;
In order to generate a plurality of different printing conditions by substituting a plurality of different parameter values for the variable parameter set by the parameter setting unit while substituting a fixed value for the fixed parameter set by the parameter setting unit Printing condition generation means,
Print data generation for generating, as print data, an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific symbol, is combined, each of which is smaller than the specific symbol Means,
Marking means for printing a plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation means based on a plurality of different printing conditions generated by the printing condition generation means;
With
The print quality evaluation device
An image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image including individual evaluation patterns printed on a print object, the image being captured at a resolution capable of evaluating the print quality of the evaluation pattern;
Extraction means for extracting an evaluation pattern capable of evaluating print quality from the captured image obtained by the image acquisition means;
Print quality evaluation means for evaluating the print quality of the evaluation pattern extracted by the extraction means;
Print position recognition means for recognizing the print position of the evaluation pattern extracted by the extraction means;
In accordance with the evaluation pattern extracted by the extraction unit, an evaluation output unit for outputting a print quality evaluation result by the print quality evaluation unit;
A processing quality display system characterized by comprising: A printing condition setting device for setting a printing condition for printing a plurality of symbols having different printing conditions on a printing object with a laser marking device;
Based on the print data generated in accordance with the print conditions set by the print condition setting device, the laser marking device prints each symbol based on the picked-up image obtained by imaging a plurality of symbols with different print conditions. A print quality evaluation device for evaluating print quality;
A print quality evaluation system including
The printing condition setting device includes:
Parameter setting means capable of setting at least one of the plurality of print parameters constituting the print condition as a variable parameter and different as a fixed parameter for making the print condition different;
In order to generate a plurality of different printing conditions by substituting a plurality of different parameter values for the variable parameter set by the parameter setting unit while substituting a fixed value for the fixed parameter set by the parameter setting unit Printing condition generation means,
Print data generation for generating, as print data, an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific symbol, is combined, each of which is smaller than the specific symbol Means,
Print data output means for sending a plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation means to a laser marking device so as to print based on a plurality of different print conditions generated by the print condition generation means When,
With
The print quality evaluation device
An image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image including individual evaluation patterns printed on a print object, the image being captured at a resolution capable of evaluating the print quality of the evaluation pattern;
Extraction means for extracting an evaluation pattern capable of evaluating print quality from the captured image obtained by the image acquisition means;
Print quality evaluation means for evaluating the print quality of the evaluation pattern extracted by the extraction means;
Print position recognition means for recognizing the print position of the evaluation pattern extracted by the extraction means;
In accordance with the evaluation pattern extracted by the extraction unit, an evaluation output unit for outputting a print quality evaluation result by the print quality evaluation unit;
With
The printing position of the evaluation pattern is associated with the printing condition for printing the evaluation pattern,
Each evaluation pattern is obtained by printing a cell pattern with a different pattern for each printing position. A laser marking device capable of printing a plurality of symbols with different printing conditions on a printing object,
Parameter setting means capable of setting at least one of the plurality of print parameters constituting the print condition as a variable parameter and different as a fixed parameter for making the print condition different;
In order to generate a plurality of different printing conditions by substituting a plurality of different parameter values for the variable parameter set by the parameter setting unit while substituting a fixed value for the fixed parameter set by the parameter setting unit Printing condition generation means,
Print data generation for generating, as print data, an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific symbol, is combined, each of which is smaller than the specific symbol Means,
Marking means for printing a plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation means based on a plurality of different printing conditions generated by the printing condition generation means;
A laser marking device comprising: The laser marking device according to claim 3,
A laser marking apparatus, wherein the plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation means are formed in units that can be subjected to print quality evaluation by a print quality evaluation apparatus. The laser marking device according to claim 3 or 4,
A laser marking apparatus, wherein the plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation means are configured by a plurality of cells arranged in a lattice pattern. The laser marking device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The laser marking apparatus, wherein the plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation means include a finder pattern of a two-dimensional code. The laser marking device according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
The laser marking apparatus, wherein the plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation means have a shape that can specify the direction of the evaluation pattern. The laser marking device according to any one of claims 3 to 7,
The laser marking apparatus, wherein the specific symbol is a two-dimensional code. A laser marking device according to any one of claims 3 to 8,
The laser marking apparatus, wherein the specific symbol is a QR code. A printing condition setting device for setting printing conditions for printing a plurality of symbols having different printing conditions with a laser marking device on a printing object,
Parameter setting means capable of setting at least one of the plurality of print parameters constituting the print condition as a variable parameter and different as a fixed parameter for making the print condition different;
In order to generate a plurality of different printing conditions by substituting a plurality of different parameter values for the variable parameter set by the parameter setting unit while substituting a fixed value for the fixed parameter set by the parameter setting unit Printing condition generation means,
Print data generation for generating, as print data, an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific symbol, is combined, each of which is smaller than the specific symbol Means,
Print data output means for sending a plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation means to a laser marking device so as to print based on a plurality of different print conditions generated by the print condition generation means When,
A printing condition setting device comprising: A print quality evaluation device for evaluating the print quality of each symbol based on a captured image obtained by capturing a plurality of symbols with different print conditions printed on a print object,
An image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image including individual symbols printed on a print object, the captured image captured at a resolution capable of evaluating the print quality of the symbol;
Symbol extraction means for extracting a symbol whose print quality can be evaluated from the captured image obtained by the image acquisition means;
A print quality evaluation means for evaluating the print quality of the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction means;
Printing position recognition means for recognizing the printing position of the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction means;
An evaluation output means for outputting a print quality evaluation result by the print quality evaluation means in accordance with the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction means;
With
Each of the printing positions of the specific pattern is associated with a printing condition for printing the symbol with the specific pattern;
Each of the plurality of symbols is an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific two-dimensional code, each composed of an evaluation pattern smaller in size than the specific two-dimensional code. And
Furthermore, each evaluation pattern is formed by printing a cell pattern with a different pattern for each printing position. Print quality for evaluating the print quality of each symbol based on a captured image of a plurality of symbols with different print conditions printed on a print object and a specific pattern for specifying the print position of each symbol An evaluation device,
A captured image including individual symbols printed on a print object is acquired at a resolution at which the print quality of the symbol can be evaluated so that at least a part of the specific pattern is included. Image acquisition means for
Symbol extraction means for extracting a symbol whose print quality can be evaluated from the captured image obtained by the image acquisition means;
A print quality evaluation means for evaluating the print quality of the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction means;
A print position recognition means for recognizing the print position of the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction means based on the specific pattern included in the captured image obtained by the image acquisition means;
An evaluation output means for outputting a print quality evaluation result by the print quality evaluation means in accordance with the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction means;
With
Each of the printing positions of the specific pattern is associated with a printing condition for printing the symbol with the specific pattern;
Each of the plurality of symbols is an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific two-dimensional code, each composed of an evaluation pattern smaller in size than the specific two-dimensional code. A print quality evaluation apparatus characterized by comprising: The print quality evaluation apparatus according to claim 12,
Each of the printing positions of the specific pattern is associated with variable parameter information that is variable in order to make the printing conditions different from among a plurality of printing parameters constituting the printing conditions for printing the symbols with the specific patterns. A print quality evaluation apparatus characterized by that. The print quality evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13,
The print quality evaluation apparatus, wherein the print quality evaluation means is configured to perform print quality evaluation between a plurality of cells. The print quality evaluation apparatus according to claim 14,
The print quality evaluation device, wherein the print quality evaluation means includes evaluation of contrast or uniformity between cells as print quality evaluation between a plurality of cells. The print quality evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13,
A print quality evaluation apparatus, wherein the print quality evaluation means is configured to perform print quality evaluation of a single cell. The print quality evaluation apparatus according to claim 16, comprising:
The print quality evaluation device, wherein the print quality evaluation means includes evaluation of suitability of the cell shape as print quality evaluation of a single cell. The print quality evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising:
A print quality evaluation apparatus comprising: an evaluation display unit capable of displaying the position information of the symbol recognized by the print position recognition unit together with the print quality evaluation result by the print quality evaluation unit. The print quality evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 18,
The image acquisition means is an image pickup means for picking up a picked-up image including individual symbols printed on a print object with a resolution capable of evaluating the print quality of the symbols,
The print quality evaluation apparatus further includes:
An imaging control unit for controlling the imaging unit so as to continuously capture the symbols while changing imaging parameters of the imaging unit;
The print quality evaluation means calculates a reading stability score with respect to a change in imaging parameter of the symbol,
The print quality evaluation apparatus, wherein the evaluation display means is configured to display identification information together with the score. The print quality evaluation apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising:
A print quality evaluation apparatus, comprising: target area setting means for designating a target area for allowing a user to select one or a plurality of symbols on the captured image displayed on the evaluation display means. A printing condition setting program for setting a printing condition for printing a plurality of symbols with different printing conditions on a printing object with a laser marking device.
A parameter setting function capable of setting at least one of the plurality of print parameters constituting the print condition as a variable parameter and changing the other as a fixed parameter,
To generate a plurality of different printing conditions by substituting a plurality of different parameter values for the variable parameter set by the parameter setting function while substituting a fixed value for the fixed parameter set by the parameter setting function Print condition generation function,
Print data generation for generating, as print data, an evaluation pattern in which one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a constituent unit of a specific symbol, is combined, each of which is smaller than the specific symbol Function and
Print data output function for sending a plurality of evaluation patterns generated by the print data generation function to a laser marking device so as to print based on a plurality of different print conditions generated by the print condition generation function When,
A printing condition setting program characterized by realizing the above. A print quality evaluation program for evaluating the print quality of each symbol based on a captured image obtained by capturing a plurality of symbols with different print conditions printed on a print object,
An image acquisition function for acquiring a captured image including individual symbols printed on a print object and captured at a resolution capable of evaluating the print quality of the symbol;
A symbol extraction function for extracting a symbol whose print quality can be evaluated from the captured image obtained by the image acquisition function;
A print quality evaluation function for evaluating the print quality of the symbols extracted by the symbol extraction function;
A print position recognition function for recognizing the print position of the symbol extracted by the symbol extraction function;
In accordance with the symbols extracted by the symbol extraction function, an evaluation output means for outputting a print quality evaluation result by the print quality evaluation function;
Realized,
Each of the printing positions of the specific pattern is associated with a printing condition for printing the symbol with the specific pattern;
The plurality of symbols are symbols obtained by combining one or a plurality of cells, each of which is a unit of a specific two-dimensional code, each of which is composed of symbols smaller in size than the specific two-dimensional code. ,
Furthermore, each symbol has a cell pattern printed in a different pattern for each printing position.   A computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to claim 21 or 22.