Patent Publication Number: US-2023158603-A1

Title: Marking system for decorating workpieces

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/445,639, filed on Jun. 19, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/695,928, filed Jul. 10, 2018, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. To the extent appropriate a claim of priority is made to each of the above-disclosed applications. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present application relates generally to technologies for producing customized images on workpieces, and in particular, to a flexible and effective system and method for decorating consumer products in different shapes, sizes, and form factors. 
     In recent years, the popularization of digital media and digital printing technologies has created great demands for consumer products decorated with customized images. Most of such customized images are printed by digital printers with colorants such as inks or dyes. Some objects, however, are not suitable for receiving inks or dyes. Some other objects are aesthetically more appealing if the images are directly printed, engraved, carved, or etched on their surfaces without using colorants. Such objects can be made of materials such as glass, plastic, wood, stone, metal, laminates, leather or faux leathers, fabrics made of natural or synthetic materials, vinyl, composite materials, paper substrates, etc. The personalized products can come in different shapes, sizes, and form factors, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects, such as photo mugs, ties and scarves, photo magnets, photo coasters, personalized dog tags, personalized pet bowls, canvas prints, personalized key chains, personalized mobile phone cases, and so on. 
     A drawback for the current manufacturing processes is that they can handle very limited shapes, sizes, and form factors in the workpieces. Moreover, the handling and tracking of workpieces require a lot of labor and time, which adds cost to the manufacturing process. Another drawback for the current manufacturing process is that it is error-prone because the workpieces and their tracking labels are paired manually and must be matched together visually, which results in the wrong item being sent to a customer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a general aspect, the present invention relates to a marking system for decorating one or more workpieces that includes a plurality of marking stations that can mark product images on blank workpieces to produce product workpieces, at least some of which have different sizes, shapes, materials, or a combination thereof; a control system that can select one of the plurality of marking stations and send product image data to the selected one of the plurality of marking stations; and a robotic manipulator that can transport a blank workpiece to the selected one of the plurality of marking stations under the control of the robotic manipulator, wherein the selected one of the plurality of marking stations can mark the product image the blank workpiece based on the product image data which produces a product workpiece, wherein the robotic manipulator can remove the product workpiece from the selected one of the plurality of marking stations. 
     Implementations of the system may include one or more of the following. At least one of the blank workpieces is labeled with a blank workpiece identification code, the marking system can further include a workpiece scanner configured to scan the blank identification code and send the blank workpiece identification code to the control system. The control system can select the one of the plurality of marking stations based on one or more of a size, a shape, a material, or a marking technique associated with the blank workpiece identification code. The control system can identify the product image data based on the blank workpiece identification codes, and control the selected one of the plurality of marking stations to produce the product image on the workpiece based on the identified product image data. The marking station can receive data corresponding to the product image from the control system, and mark the workpiece with the product image based on the data received from the control system. The control system can select one of the plurality of marking stations based on operating parameters of the plurality of the marking stations or one or more parameters associated with the workpiece. The operating parameters associated with the workpiece can include a shape of the workpiece, a size of the workpiece, or a material of the workpiece. The operating parameters include a type of marking technology associated with each of the marking stations. The operating parameters include an availability of the marking stations. At least one of the workpieces is not labeled with a blank workpiece identification code, wherein one of the marking stations can mark the product image on the workpiece. The marking system can further include a labelling station that can provide a product identification code on the workpiece after the workpiece is marked with the product image at one of the marking stations. The marking system can further include one or more loading stations for receiving and storing the one or more workpieces. One of the plurality of marking stations can includes a marking head that can mark a product image on the workpiece; and a transport mechanism that can move the marking head relative to the workpiece during marking of the product image on the workpiece. At least one of the plurality of marking stations can print colorant on the workpiece. At least one of the plurality of marking stations can etch a pattern on a workpiece using a laser. At least one of the plurality of marking stations can engrave or carve a pattern on a workpiece. The control system can include a data storage for storing product images and blank workpiece identification codes. The control system can include an image processor configured to convert the product image retrieved from the data storage into a pixelated resolution corresponding to a scanning resolution of the marking head, wherein the control system is configured to control the marking head based on the pixelated resolution for marking the workpiece with the product image. 
     The disclosed system and method can include one or more of the following advantages. The disclosed system and method can produce customized markings on a wide range of shapes, sizes, and form factors in the workpieces. The workpieces are transported automatically using a robotic manipulator between marking systems, and loading and output zones, which significantly improves manufacturing efficiency. Moreover, the workpieces are automatically tracked at different stages of the manufacturing process, which prevents the tracking and matching errors in conventional systems, which reduces waste and cost of rework. Furthermore, the disclosed system and method are compatible with different types of printing and marking technologies for customizing workpieces. 
     These and other aspects, their implementations and other features are described in detail in the drawings, the description and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a schematic of a marking system in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 A  illustrates a detailed view of an exemplified marking station suitable of the marking system and capable of laser etching one or more workpieces in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 B  illustrates a detailed view of another exemplified marking station of the marking system and capable of colorant printing one or more workpieces in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure; and 
         FIG.  3    is a workflow diagram compatible with the marking system shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Also, wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , an exemplary marking system  100  for decorating one or more blank workpieces  200 , for example, a first blank workpiece  200   a , a second blank workpiece  200   b , a third blank workpiece  200   c , and a fourth blank workpiece  200   d , is shown. In some embodiments, the blank workpieces  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d  may be identical to each other, while in other embodiments, the blank workpieces  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d  may include different shape and sizes. The marking system  100  includes a plurality of marking stations  104 , for example a first marking station  104   a , a second marking station  104   b  and a third marking station  104   c , for marking or decorating the blank workpieces  200  with product images, which produce product workpieces  250 . 
     In the present disclosure, the term “product image” may include photographic images provided by customers or service providers, graphic designs, and artwork (including drawings, indicia, text, symbols, graphics, etc.) used that decorates a final product. Although three marking stations are shown, it may be appreciated that the marking system  100  may include any number of marking stations, and the scope and embodiments of the disclosure are not limited by the number of the marking stations. The term “blank workpiece” refers to an object that is to be marked with an image, graphics, or text to form a final product. The term “product workpiece” refers to the final product that is formed by the workpiece marked with an image, graphics, or text. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2 A , a marking station  104   a  includes a marking head  106  and a transport mechanism  108  for providing a relative motion between the marking head  106  and the workpiece  108 . In some embodiments, the marking head  106  may include a laser head  110 . The marking head  106  can employ other types of etching or carving techniques to mark images on the blank workpieces  200  to produce product workpieces  250 . In some embodiments, it may include a laser head  110  for laser etching the product image on the workpiece  200 . Further, the laser head  110  may etch a blank workpiece  200  disposed on a flat platform, or cylindrical shaped blank workpieces  200  rotating around a shaft. In an exemplary embodiment, a marking station  104   a  can include a flat platform on which blank workpieces  200  can be placed for etching. A marking station  104   b  may include the shaft for rotating cylindrical workpieces for etching the blank workpieces  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2 B , a marking station  104   c  is shown according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. The marking station  104   c  includes a marking head  106 ′ as a colorant printing head  110 ′, and a transport mechanism  108 ′ for providing a relative motion between the colorant printing head  110 ′ and a blank workpiece  200 ′. In some embodiments, the colorant printing head  110 ′ may include a printing head for printing the product image on the blank workpiece  200 ′. Further, the colorant printing head  110 ′ may print on blank workpieces  200 ′ disposed on a flat platform, or cylindrically shaped blank workpieces rotating around a shaft. 
     It should be noted that the marking stations  104  can employ other types of marking technologies not described above, such as impact marking, including engraving and carving, etc. Moreover, the marking stations  104  are compatible with different types of colorant printing technologies including impact printing and non-impact printing such as ink jet printing, thermal dye sublimation, electrophotographic printing using solid or liquid toners, and so on. 
     Additionally, the marking system  100  includes a robotic manipulator  120  that can move blank workpieces  200  from one or more loading stations  130  to one of the plurality of marking stations  104  and move product workpieces  250  to one or more unloading station  400  after the marking process is complete. In the present disclosure, the term “robotic manipulator” refers to a device that can handle and move an object similar to a human&#39;s arm under the control of a computer. The movements that can be achieved by a “robotic manipulator” can include translations and rotations in all directions. The “robotic manipulator” also includes computer vision that can coordinate the handling and movements of an object relative to objects in the surrounding. In the illustrated embodiment, only one loading station  130  and one unloading station  400  are shown. However, the marking system  100  may include any number of loading stations and unloading stations. The loading station  130  may be referred to as a station, which receive and stores blank workpieces  200  which are yet be marked with corresponding product images, while unloading station  400  may be referred to as a station where product workpieces  250  are received or stored after completion of the marking process. 
     The robotic manipulator  120  may include one or more arms, for example a first arm  122  and a second arm  124  connected to the first arm  122 , and an end effector  126  connected to the second arm  124  and adapted to hold a blank workpiece  200  or a product workpiece  250 . The second arm  124  is configured to pivot and/or rotate relative to the first arm  122 , and similarly, the end effector  126  may pivot and/or rotate relative to the second arm  124  to facilitate a movement of a blank workpieces  200  or a product workpiece  250  from the loading station  130  to one of the marking station stations  104  and from the marking stations  104  to the unloading station  400 . In some embodiments, the robotic manipulator  120  may include one or more actuators (not shown), such as servo motors for moving the first arm  122 , the second arm  124 , and the end effector  126 . Although servomotors are contemplated as the actuators, it may be appreciated that other type of actuators, such as, but not limited to, electric motors, fluid cylinders, etc. In a scenario, the one or more actuators may include absolute encoders to facilitate operation of the actuators at 0.1 mm accuracy and 1 m/s speed. 
     Further, the marking system  100  may include one or more labelling stations  140  for labelling a blank workpiece  200  with an identification code. In some embodiments, the identification code facilitates in identifying the blank workpiece  200 , for example, a shape and a size of the blank workpiece  200 , and accordingly may facilitate in identifying corresponding product image to be marked on the blank workpiece  200 . In such a case, the identification code may correspond to a blank workpiece identification code that may be provided on the workpiece  200  before marking the blank workpiece  200  with the corresponding product image. 
     In some other embodiments, identification codes may be provided or marked on the blank workpieces  200  after the blank workpieces  200  are marked with associated product images at the marking stations  104 . For so doing, the robotic manipulator  120  may move the blank workpieces  200  to the labelling station  140  after marking of the blank workpiece  200  is completed at the marking station  104 . In such cases, the identification codes may correspond to product identification codes, which may facilitate identifying post processing related details, such as shipping of workpieces, packaging of workpieces, customer details, etc. 
     In some implementations, the identification code may be printed on or attached a blank workpiece  200  at a labelling station  140 . some embodiments, the labelling station  140  can include a labelling device, such as a printer, to print a label comprising a blank workpiece identification code on the workpiece  200 . In certain implementations, the identification code can be a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional barcode, or a QR code, or any other representative code. 
     In some embodiments, the marking system  100  may include a single labelling station  140  for labelling all the blank workpieces  200  with corresponding identification codes. Alternatively, the marking system may include a plurality of labelling stations  140 . In such a case, one labelling station  140  may be associated with one marking station  104 , and the blank workpiece  200  that is moved to one of the plurality of marking stations  104  is labelled by the associated labelling station  140 . 
     Additionally, or optionally, the marking system  100  may include one or more workpiece scanners  150  for scanning a labelled blank workpiece  200  before marking the product images on the blank workpieces  200 . In some embodiments, the marking system  100  may include a single workpiece scanner for scanning all the labelled blank workpieces  200 . Alternatively, the marking system  100  may include a plurality of workpiece scanners  150  such that one workpiece scanner may be associated with one marking station. In such a case, a blank workpiece  200  is scanned by an associated workpiece scanner  150  before being moved to one of the plurality of marking stations  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the workpiece scanner  150  is adapted to scan a surface of the labelled blank workpiece  200 , and/or may scan the blank workpiece identification code provided on the blank workpiece  200 . The workpiece scanner  200  may be communicatively coupled with a control system  160  of the marking system  100 , and may send a data corresponding to the blank workpiece identification code of the labelled blank workpiece  200  to the control system  160  for further processing. The control system  160  may retrieve a job id and an associated job file corresponding to the blank workpiece identification code to control the robotic manipulator  120  and one of the marking stations  104  to mark the blank workpiece  200  with associated product image. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  1   , the control system  160  may include a transport controller  162 , a robotic controller  164 , an image processor  166 , a marking head controller  168 , and a data storage  170  for storing various information related to the blank workpiece identification codes, product identification codes, job identification codes, workpieces, product images, delivery information, packaging information, customer preferences, etc. The robotic controller  164  is configured to control the movements of the robotic manipulator  120  by controlling the actuators associated with the first arm  122 , the second arm  124 , and the end effector  126 . In some embodiments, before moving the blank workpiece  200  to one of the plurality of marking stations  104 , the robotic controller  164  selects the one of the plurality of marking stations  104  based on operating parameters of the plurality of the marking stations  104 . In some embodiments, the operating parameters may include an availability of the marking stations  104 , a type of the marking head  106  of the marking station  104 , etc. In certain implementations, the robotic controller  164  may select the one of the plurality of marking stations  104  based on one or more parameters associated with the blank workpiece  200 . In a scenario, the parameters may include a shape of the workpiece, a size of the workpiece, a material of the workpiece, etc. In some embodiments, the robotic controller  164  may select the one of the plurality of marking stations  104  based on both the operating parameters of the marking stations  104  and the one or more parameters of the blank workpiece  200 . Further, after selecting a marking station, for example the first marking station  104   a , from the plurality of the marking stations  104 , the robotic controller  164  is configured control the robotic manipulator  120  to move the blank workpiece  200  to the selected marking station, for example the first marking station  104   a , for marking the blank workpiece  200  with the product image. The robotic system can be preprogrammed to follow a static order for processing or be an adaptive program including artificial intelligence. 
     The transport controller  162  controls the transport mechanism  108  to control a relative movement between the marking head  106  and the blank workpiece  200  for marking the product image on the blank workpiece  200 . In some embodiments, the transport mechanism  108  may move and control a movement of the marking head  106 . Additionally, or optionally, the transport mechanism  108  is adapted to move the blank workpiece  200  in conjunction with the marking head  106  to facilitate the marking of the product image on the blank workpiece  200 . In such a case, the transport controller  162  may control the movements of both the marking head  106  and the blank workpiece  200 . For so doing, the transport controller  162  may control one or more actuators, such as electric motors, for enabling and controlling the movements of the marking head  106  and/or the blank workpiece  200 . In an exemplary embodiment one or more marking stations, for example, the first marking station  104   a  and the third marking station  104 c, are adapted to process substantially flat workpieces. In such a case, transport controller  162  may control the transport mechanism  108  such that the marking head  106  may move in a continuous x-direction across the blank workpiece  200 , and the blank workpiece  200  moves or advances one line at a time in the y-direction. In certain other implementations, a marking station, for example, the second marking station  104   b , is adapted to mark cylindrical-shaped blank workpieces  200 . In such a case, transport controller  162  may control the transport mechanism  108  such that the marking head  106  may only move in x-direction, while the blank workpiece  200  is rotated one line at a time in the y-direction for marking the product image on the blank workpiece  200 . The transport controller  162  may be in communication with the data storage  170  and/or the image processor  166 , and may operate the transport mechanism  108  based on the inputs received from the image processor  166 . 
     In some embodiments, the image processor  166  is also in communication with the one or more workpiece scanners  150 , and receives a data corresponding to the blank workpiece identification code from the workpiece scanner  150 . In some embodiments, each of the marking stations  104  can be paired with a workpiece scanner  150  for scanning blank workpieces  200  being loaded into the corresponding marking station  104 . The image processor  166  is also in communication with the data storage  170 , and retrieves the product image from the data storage  170  based on the blank workpiece identification code. In some other embodiment, the workpiece scanner  150  is omitted from the marking system  100 . In such cases, the image processor  166  may retrieve the product image from the data storage  170  according to a predefined sequence. The predefined sequence may be stored in the data storage  170  before starting a marking operation. 
     Upon receiving the product image from the data storage  170 , the image processor  166  processes the product image received from the data storage  170  in preparation for marking a blank workpiece  200 . For so doing, the image processor  166  may perform resizing of the product image to the size suitable for the dimensions of the blank workpiece  200 . Further, the image processor  166  may render the product image to achieve certain image effects on a particular material type (e.g. glass, stone, wood, metal, etc.) of the blank workpiece  200 . Further, the image processor  166  is adapted to convert the product image to pixel resolution(s) compatible with the scanning resolution of the marking head  106 . In certain implementation, a data related to the scanning resolution of the marking head  106  is stored in the data storage  170 , and the image processor  166  may receive the data/information related to the scanning resolution from the data storage  170 . Alternatively, the image processor  166  may be communicably coupled to the marking head controller  168 , and may receive the data/specification/information related to scanning resolution of the marked head  106  from the marking head controller  168 . 
     The marking head controller  168  is configured to operate/control the marking head  106  based on the pixelated resolution of the product image received from the image processor  166 , and may control power and power modulation to the marking head  106 . The power modulation may be based on the pixel values of the pre-processed images produced by the image processor  166 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the marking head controller  168  is configured to set the power level of the marking head  106 , for example, the laser head  110 , to accommodate marking or laser etching on blank workpieces  200 . Before the laser head  110  starts etching an image on the blank workpiece  200 , the marking head controller  168  sets the power level of the laser head  110  to Pw, which is selected to etch and remove or fracture materials from the particular material composition of the blank workpiece  200  (e.g. glass, wood, stone, metal, plastic, etc.), at the specific power level set which is consistent with the desired output on the blank workpiece  200 . In the present disclosure, the power level of the laser head  110  may be defined by the maximum, the average, or other relative magnitude for the next period of marking, such as laser etching. 
     After the marking head  106  is positioned above an image forming area in a blank workpiece  200 , the marking head  106  is modulated by the marking head controller  168  in accordance with the product image. The marking head  106  selectively marks various locations of the blank workpiece  200  in a pixel wise fashion to form an image pattern that mimics the product image. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , a method for marking workpieces is now described. The robotic controller  120  may pick up a blank workpiece  200  from the loading station  130  and transfers the workpiece  200  to the labelling station  140  (step  302 ). The blank workpiece can be labeled by a blank workpiece identification code to the workpiece at the labelling station  140  (step  304 ). In some embodiments, the blank workpiece identification code can be in the form a QR code, barcode, an alphanumeric symbol, and can include a thumbnail image of the product image to be marked on the blank workpiece  200 . The labeled blank workpiece  200  can then be placed on the loading station  130  or directly moved to scanning station. 
     It should be noted that in some implementations, the blank workpieces  200  can be pre-labeled before received by the marking system  100  (i.e. the loading station  130 ). Steps  302  and  304  can be skipped in this embodiment. 
     At step  306 , the robotic manipulator  120 , under the control of the robotic controller  164 , moves a labelled blank workpiece  200  from the loading station  130  or the labelling station  140  to the workpiece scanner  150 . The workpiece scanner  150  scans the blank workpiece identification code provided on the blank workpiece  200 , and share the data associated with the blank workpiece identification code to the control system  160 . The control system  160 , upon receiving the blank workpiece identification code from the workpiece scanner  150 , retrieves a job identification and a corresponding job file from the data storage  170  based on the blank workpiece identification code. The job file may include information related to one or more of a size of the blank workpiece  200 , a shape of the blank workpiece  200 , a material of the blank workpiece  200 , information about the product image to be marked on the blank workpiece  200 , and an information about the type of marking, such as a laser marking, CMYK marking etc. 
     Thereafter, the control system  160  determines which marking stations out of the plurality of the marking stations  104  for marking the blank workpiece  200  (step  308 ). For so doing, the control system  160  can determine the operating parameters of the plurality of marking stations  104  and/or the parameters associated with the blank workpiece  200 . For example, the control system  160  can select the first marking station  104   a  when the first marking station  104   a  is either idling or about to complete the marking of another workpiece, therefore will be available relatively earlier for marking the blank workpiece  200  as compared to other marking stations  104   b ,  104   c.    
     Moreover, the control system selects a marking station that is capable providing the type of marking technique required for marking a specific blank workpiece  200  (step  308 ). For example, the control system  160  may select the second marking station  104   b  that is capable of producing laser etching patterns if the blank workpiece  200  is a blank glassware. The workpiece maybe cylindrical in shape that can be handled by the second marking station  104   b  is adapted to mark the blank workpiece  200  with the product image. After selecting a suitable marking station, the control system  160  via the robotic controller  164  may move the blank workpiece  200  to the selected marking station, for example, the first marking station  104   a , and controls the end effector  126  to dispose the blank workpiece  200  on a platform of the selected marking station, for example, the first marking station  104   a.    
     Next, the robotic controller moves the blank workpiece  200  from the workpiece scanner  150  to the selected marking station  130  (step  310 ). The product image is then marked on the blank workpiece  200  (step  312 ). To facilitate the marking of the workpiece  200  with the product image, the image processor  166  shares a pixelated image to the marking head controller  168  for controlling the movements of the marking head  106 . For so doing, in some embodiments, the image processor  166  may retrieve the product image based on the blank workpiece identification code received from the workpiece scanner  150 , For so doing, the image processor  166  may look for a job file containing a name or a code in the data storage  170  corresponding to blank workpiece identification code, and retrieve the job file thereof. The retrieved job file may contain the product image along with the various other details, such as a location, for example coordinates of the product image relative to edges and/or center of the blank workpiece  200  and/or details of the colors of the product image, etc. Upon retrieving the product image from the data storage  170 , the image processor  166  may resize the product image based on the size and/or the shape of the blank workpiece  200 , and convert the product image to pixel resolution(s) compatible with the scanning resolution of the marking head  106 . 
     Thereafter, the image processor  166  shares the pixelated resolution of the product image with the marking head controller  168  that controls the marking head  106 , and the transport controller  162  that controls the transport mechanism  108  for marking the product image on the blank workpiece  200 , which produces a product workpiece  250 . Upon receiving the pixelated data related to the product image, the marking head controller  168  controls the marking head  106  to selectively marks various locations of the blank workpiece  200  in a pixel wise fashion to form an image pattern that mimics the product image. In an exemplary embodiment, the marking head controller  168  may control the laser head  110  to selectively burn the areas of the blank workpiece  200  to etch the product image on the blank workpiece  200 . Further, in conjunction with the marking head controller  168 , the transport controller  162  controls the movement of the marking head  106  and/or the blank workpiece  200  to facilitate a movement of the marking head  106  in a pixelwise manner relative to the blank workpiece  200  to mark the workpiece  200  with the product image to produce a product workpiece  250 . 
     Upon completion of the marking of the product image on the workpiece, the robotic controller  164  controls the robotic manipulator  120  to move the product workpiece  250  from the marking station  104  to the unloading station  400  (step  314 ). 
     In some embodiments, the blank workpieces  200  in the loading station  130  are not labeled with blank workpiece identification codes. Such blank workpieces  200  may be of same size, shape, and material, and may relate to single identical batch. In such a case, the workpiece scanner  150  may be omitted from the marking system  100 . In such a case, the image processor  166  may be adapted to access the data storage  170  to retrieve the product images corresponding to the blank workpieces  200 . For so doing, the product images are stored in a predefined sequence in the data storage  170 , and the image processor  166  is adapted to access the product images in the predefined sequence. Further, after marking the blank workpiece  200  with the product image, the robotic controller  164  moves the blank workpieces  200  from the marking stations  104  to the labelling station  140 . In this embodiment, the marking system  100  can optionally include a labelling station  140 . After marking at the marking stations  104 , the product blank workpieces  250  may move to the labelling station  140 . At the labelling station  140 , a product identification code may be labelled on the product workpiece  250 . For example, product identification code may facilitate an identification of the customer details, such as address of the customer, any packaging related details, etc. Upon completion of the labelling of the product workpiece  250 , the robotic controller  164  controls the robotic manipulator  120  to move the working piece from the labelling station  140  to the unloading station  400 . 
     In this manner, the marking system  100  is configured to automatically decorate the workpiece with the product image, thereby reducing labor and time leading to a reduction in overall manufacturing cost. Further, the marking system  100  reduces errors in the manufacturing process as the product image is automatically extracted based on the unique identifier, and hence ensuring that the workpiece is marked with desired product image.