JP4108294B2 - Laser marking control method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a laser marking control technique, and more particularly to a technique effective when applied to a laser marking technique for information processing equipment.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in personal computers and peripheral devices, as well as information processing devices such as mobile phones and PDAs, personalization services by marking of management information such as user-specific logos and serial numbers on product housings have become widespread. .
[0003]
By the way, as a method of marking a logo or the like on a product housing, it is conceivable to use a laser marking technique that enables stable marking regardless of the material of an object such as resin or metal.
[0004]
That is, marking data composed of characters, figures, and images is developed into a bit image corresponding to a laser pulse, and the marking area is marked with horizontal raster scanning (main scanning) and vertical main scanning start position. In this step movement (sub-scan), scanning is performed in raster order to perform laser marking.
[0005]
In this case, conventionally, in order to prevent the marking time from taking longer due to the uniform scanning of the non-marking (blank) area, the non-marking area at the left and right or upper and lower ends of the marking area is recognized. The marking time has been shortened by not performing scanning by scanning.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As in the prior art described above, in the method of suppressing scanning in a non-marking area, the scan length in the main scanning direction changes according to the contour shape such as a figure, so that the scan time interval between adjacent raster scans is not uniform. The technology is such that the shorter the actual scan length, that is, the narrower the area in the sub-scanning direction, the shorter the time interval between raster scans, the higher the marking area, the higher the marking density, and the greater the marking quality. There are specific issues. In particular, in the case of a character area or the like, density unevenness tends to occur within the area.
[0007]
Such a technical problem becomes conspicuous particularly when marking is performed by irradiating a material such as plastic with a laser to heat / discolor the material.
[0008]
In addition, in marking that mainly uses characters, it is technically impossible to realize high-speed marking below the required time determined by the area of the rectangular region including the character region, regardless of the complexity of the character shape, etc. There are also challenges.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of performing laser marking with high marking quality, such as a concentration, without being affected by marking contents.
[0010]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of reducing the time required for laser marking.
[0011]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of achieving both improvement in marking quality and reduction in marking time.
[0012]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of performing laser marking with high marking quality without being affected by the workability of the marking object.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is a laser marking control method that performs marking by scanning a laser beam on a marking object, and includes a first step of dividing a marking area of a marking object into a plurality of rectangular areas, and a laser for each rectangular area. And a second step of performing marking in at least one of raster scanning and vector scanning.
[0014]
More specifically, for example, in a logo engraving service such as a personal computer, a control method for marking imprinted data in which characters, figures, and images are mixed. (Rectangular area) is divided into individual markings, marking is performed by vector scanning (scanning with a single stroke) in graphic areas such as characters and frames, and raster scanning is performed in areas such as images. To achieve high-quality and high-speed laser marking.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an information processing device on which logo marking is performed by a laser marking control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a laser marking apparatus in which the laser marking control method is implemented, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a laser irradiation system in the laser marking apparatus of the present embodiment.
[0017]
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus on which laser marking is performed in the present embodiment includes a notebook personal computer 100 as an example. The personal computer 100 includes a main body 101 provided with a keyboard 102 and the like, and a lid 104 that is foldably connected to the main body 101 via a hinge 103 and has a liquid crystal display 105 provided on the inner surface side.
[0018]
In the case of the present embodiment, a marking region 210 and a marking region 220 that are marked by the laser marking technology of the present embodiment as described later are provided on the outer surface of the lid 104 made of resin or the like. ing.
[0019]
As an example, the marking area 210 is marked with logo information having a name unique to the owner of the personal computer 100, such as a graphic or an image. The marking area 220 includes user serial number information such as an asset management number for the owner. Is marked.
[0020]
On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the laser marking apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment is a process in which a marking object 400 such as a product or part such as the laser irradiation system 310 and the personal computer 100 described above is placed. A control computer 330 that controls the table 320, the laser irradiation system 310, the processing table 320, and the like, a storage device 340 that stores control programs, marking data, and the like input to the control computer 330, and the like.
[0021]
The processing table 320 includes a moving mechanism (not shown) capable of moving the laser irradiation system 310 in the optical axis direction (up and down movement) and horizontally and horizontally in the xy direction within a plane orthogonal to the optical axis direction. The displacement in each direction is controlled in accordance with a command from the control computer 330 or the like.
[0022]
The laser irradiation system 310 of the present embodiment includes a laser light source 311 that emits a laser 312 whose oscillation operation is controlled by a control computer 330 as illustrated in FIG. 3 as an example.
[0023]
On the optical path of the laser 312, a galvanometer mirror 313 that controls the scanning position of the laser 312 in the x direction of the processing table 320 by being swung by a motor 313 a whose rotation is controlled by the control computer 330 is disposed. ing.
[0024]
The scanning position of the laser 312 in the y direction on the processing table 320 is controlled by swinging on the optical path of the laser 312 via the galvanometer mirror 313 by a motor 314a whose rotation is controlled by the control computer 330. A galvanometer mirror 314 is disposed.
[0025]
An fθ lens 315 that converges the laser 312 and irradiates the marking object 400 is disposed on the optical path of the laser 312 that passes through the galvanometer mirror 314.
[0026]
Then, by combining the oscillation control of the galvanometer mirror 313 and the galvanometer mirror 314, every time one raster scan (scan in the x direction (main scan direction) of the laser 312 as illustrated in FIG. Raster marking by stepping in the direction (sub-scanning direction) and scanning in the x direction from a new scanning point) and vector scanning of the laser 312 as illustrated in FIG. It is possible to perform both of vector marking by.
[0027]
Here, differences in marking characteristics between raster marking and vector marking will be described.
[0028]
As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in raster marking, (1) after marking data is decomposed into horizontal raster scan vectors R1 to R12, (2) laser 312 from top to bottom and from left to right. Irradiate.
[0029]
In the case of this raster marking, marking can be performed almost uniformly over the entire area. However, in a region where short raster scan vectors are continuous in the vertical direction, such as raster scan vectors R3, R4, etc., that is, in a region elongated in the vertical direction, other long raster scan vectors such as raster scan vectors R1, R2 are continuous. Since the irradiation time interval between each scan is relatively shorter than the area, the marking is relatively dark. In the case of character data, the raster scan vector is intermittent at the contour of the character, so the character spacing may be clogged or the contour may be unclear.
[0030]
Therefore, raster marking is more suitable for marking an image than line drawings such as characters and frames.
[0031]
On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, in vector marking, (1) after the marking data is decomposed into vector scan vectors V1 to V11 in any direction such as vertical, horizontal, diagonal, etc. Scan in the wind.
[0032]
In the case of this vector marking, the outline of the drawing area becomes clear because scanning is performed so as to trace the outline of the drawing area. Further, there is no return time to the left end (scanning start position) like raster marking, and in the case of line drawings such as characters and frames, marking can be performed at a higher speed than raster marking.
[0033]
Therefore, the vector marking is suitable for marking a character or a line drawing such as a frame.
[0034]
FIG. 5 collectively shows an example of the relationship of marking quality between data types such as characters and line drawings and images as described above and the marking method type.
[0035]
Based on the difference in the marking characteristics of raster marking and vector marking according to the data types such as characters, line drawings, and images as described above, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the present embodiment In the embodiment, the marking area 401 in the marking object 400 is divided into a plurality of rectangular areas for each data type such as characters, line drawings, and images, and marking by raster marking or vector marking is performed for each rectangular area.
[0036]
That is, in the example of FIG. 6A, the marking area 401 in the marking object 400 is divided into a rectangular area 401a including the image G and a rectangular area 401b including the character string C, and marking is performed for each rectangular area. carry out. For example, raster marking is performed on the rectangular area 401a including the image G, and vector marking is performed on the rectangular area 401b including the character string C. Alternatively, raster marking may be performed on both the rectangular area 401a and the rectangular area 401b.
[0037]
In the example of FIG. 6B, the marking area 402 in the marking object 400 is divided into a rectangular area 402a including the image G and a rectangular area 402b including the character string C, and marking is performed for each rectangular area. carry out. For example, raster marking is performed on the rectangular area 402a including the image G, and vector marking is performed on the rectangular area 402b including the character string C. Alternatively, raster marking may be performed on both the rectangular area 402a and the rectangular area 402b.
[0038]
Here, in the case of FIG. 6A, since the rectangular area 401a and the rectangular area 401b do not overlap in the raster direction, the marking of the rectangular area according to the data type is performed even when all the rectangular areas are raster marked. From the viewpoint of speed, it is an optimal category.
[0039]
On the other hand, in the example of the marking area 402 in FIG. 6B, the rectangular area 402b and the rectangular area 402a overlap each other when viewed from the raster scan direction. The optimal rectangular area setting differs depending on whether the rectangular area is set according to the data type or if all rectangular areas are raster-marked.
[0040]
This will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the marking region 402 in FIG. 7A becomes a raster scan state like the polygonal region 403 in FIG. In regions where the lengths of the raster scan vectors are different, the image quality varies. For example, in the image G, the short upper side of the raster scan vector is marked dark and the lower side is light.
[0041]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when all the rectangular areas are raster-marked, the rectangular area is divided so that the area of the image G is divided as shown in FIG. 402-1a and rectangular area 402-1b are set, and raster marking is performed for each rectangular area. In this case, by setting the irradiation condition so that the marking becomes thin in the raster marking of the rectangular area 402-1a, the entire image G can be marked with a uniform darkness as a result.
[0042]
When priority is given to image quality, the rectangular area 402a and the rectangular area 402b are set according to the data type, as shown in FIG. 7D, as in FIG. 6B. In this case, even when all the rectangular areas are raster-marked, the length of the raster scan vector is uniform in each rectangular area, so that uniform image quality can be obtained for each rectangular area, that is, for each data type.
[0043]
Further, by performing raster marking on the rectangular area 402a of the image G and vector marking on the rectangular area 402b of the character string C, an optimum marking quality can be obtained for each data type.
[0044]
With reference to FIG. 8, an example of rectangular area division when marking is performed on the marking area 210 of the personal computer 100 described above as the marking object 400 of the present embodiment will be described.
[0045]
The marking area 210 of the present embodiment includes, for example, a character string C1 such as “City Hall”, an image G1 such as a symbol mark, a character string C2 such as “Environment Division”, an image G2 such as a pattern, a frame, and the like. A rectangular area 211, a rectangular area 212, a rectangular area 213, a rectangular area 214, and a rectangular area 215 are set so as to include each of these elements.
[0046]
Then, vector marking is performed on the rectangular areas 211, 213, and 215 of the character strings C1 and C2 and the line drawing L, and raster marking is performed on the rectangular areas 212 and 214 of the images G1 and G2. Thereby, the optimum marking quality according to each data type is obtained.
[0047]
In the case of a difficult-to-process material such as metal, when a region including an image or the like on which raster marking is performed has a long length in the raster scan direction (for example, a rectangular region 214), a plurality of rectangular regions are included in the direction. Further, the processability may be improved by performing raster marking for each rectangular area.
[0048]
FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of the rectangular region setting (conditioning) step and the marking step after setting in the present embodiment.
[0049]
That is, marking data indicating the entire marking area 210 is captured (step 501), and the marking area is divided into a plurality of rectangular areas (step 502).
[0050]
Then, for each rectangular area, it is determined whether the rectangular area is an image, or any other character string or line drawing (step 503). If the rectangular area includes an image, raster marking data is generated. Then, in the case of a rectangular area including other character strings and line drawings (step 504), the process of generating vector marking data (step 505) is repeated for all rectangular areas (step 506).
[0051]
Thereafter, laser marking using raster marking data or vector marking data is performed (step 507).
[0052]
In the marking process of step 507, when the marking object is, for example, the personal computer 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the marking is performed on the lid 104 of the finished product illustrated in FIG. Alternatively, the marking may be performed when the lid 104 is in a single component state.
[0053]
As described above, according to the laser marking control technique of the present embodiment, a rectangular area is set according to components such as an image, a character string, and a line drawing in the marking area, and a raster suitable for each rectangular area. Since marking and vector marking are applied, laser marking can be performed with high marking quality of uniform density etc. without being affected by the marking content, and the time required for laser marking can be shortened. .
[0054]
Therefore, it is possible to achieve both improvement in marking quality and reduction in marking time.
[0055]
In addition, when applying raster marking to materials that are difficult to process compared to resin, etc., by further dividing the rectangular area in the raster scan direction, laser marking processability is improved and clear marking results are obtained. And marking quality is improved.
[0056]
Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.
[0057]
The information processing device of the marking object is not limited to the personal computer exemplified in the above-described embodiment, but can be widely applied to peripheral devices, and further to general information processing devices such as a mobile phone and a PDA.
[0058]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that laser marking can be performed with a high marking quality of uniform density and the like without being affected by marking contents.
[0059]
According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time required for laser marking.
[0060]
According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both the improvement of the marking quality and the reduction of the required marking time.
[0061]
According to the present invention, an effect that laser marking can be performed with high marking quality without being affected by the workability of the marking object is obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an information processing device on which logo marking is performed by a laser marking control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a laser marking apparatus in which a laser marking control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is implemented.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a laser irradiation system in the laser marking apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are explanatory views showing the effects of raster marking and vector marking in comparison with each other. FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a relationship of marking quality between a data type such as a character, a line drawing, and an image, and a marking method type.
6A and 6B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of a rectangular area setting method in a marking area of a laser marking control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7A to 7D are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of a relationship between a marking method by raster marking and a method of setting a rectangular region in a marking region of a laser marking control method according to an embodiment of the present invention; It is.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a rectangular area setting method in a marking area in the laser marking control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the laser marking control method according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Personal computer, 101 ... Main body, 102 ... Keyboard, 103 ... Hinge, 104 ... Lid, 105 ... Liquid crystal display, 210 ... Marking area, 211 ... Rectangular area, 212 ... Rectangular area, 213 ... Rectangular area, 214 ... Rectangular Area, 215 ... rectangular area, 220 ... marking area, 300 ... laser marking device, 310 ... laser irradiation system, 311 ... laser light source, 312 ... laser, 313 ... galvanometer mirror, 313a ... motor, 314 ... galvanometer mirror, 314a ... motor 315 ... fθ lens, 320 ... processing table, 330 ... control computer, 340 ... storage device, 400 ... marking object, 401 ... marking area, 401a ... rectangular area, 401b ... rectangular area, 402 ... marking area, 402-1a ... Rectangular area, 402-1 ... rectangular area, 402a ... rectangular area, 402b ... rectangular area, 403 ... polygonal area, C ... character string, C1 ... character string, C2 ... character string, G ... image, G1 ... image, G2 ... image, L ... line drawing , R1 to R12 ... raster scan vector, V1 to V11 ... vector scan vector.

Claims (1)

A laser marking control method for performing marking by scanning a laser on a marking object,
A first step of dividing the marking region of the marking object into a plurality of rectangular regions including at least a first rectangular region and a second rectangular region;
A second step of performing marking by irradiating the first rectangular area with a laser by raster scanning;
A third step of performing marking by irradiating the second rectangular area with a laser by raster scanning; and
The first rectangular area and the second rectangular area divide one image area;
When the length of the raster scan vector in the first rectangular area is shorter than the length of the raster scan vector in the second rectangular area, the laser irradiation amount in the second step is larger than the laser irradiation amount in the third step. A laser marking control method characterized by comprising less.

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