A light source management method and device for LCD light-curing 3D printer

Abstract

The present invention discloses a light source management method for an LCD light-curing 3D printer. The method comprises the following steps: obtaining slice image data of a model to be printed, obtaining a display image of a corresponding liquid crystal display panel for each slice image layer, wherein the display image is a collection of pixel points displayed on the corresponding liquid crystal display panel; pre-storing an optimal mapping between the slice image data and the grayscale display of each pixel point, that is, storing the optimal pixel grayscale value and brightness value of the slice image under maximum light source power in a database; changing the light source power to a first preset power, and after changing the light source power, changing the pixel grayscale value to a second grayscale value; if the light curing effect meets expectations, changing the light source power to the first preset power and executing the current 3D printing task; if the light curing effect does not meet expectations, changing the light source power to a second preset power and executing the current 3D printing task.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of LCD light-curing 3D printing, and in particular to a light source management method and device for an LCD light-curing 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] 3D printing (AM) is an emerging manufacturing technology that is different from traditional manufacturing. It combines scientific knowledge from multiple fields, such as computers, material processing, and mechanical processing. Among them, photocuring 3D printing technology is an additive manufacturing process that selectively cures photopolymer materials through light-activated polymerization reactions. In this technology, the model is built layer by layer, which is completed by scanning the polymerization points (stereolithography - SLA) or projecting the entire layer at one time (digital light processing - DLP). Photocuring technology can be used to prepare high-definition and smooth-surface models, and can have high precision without the need for mechanical post-processing of the surface, thus showing great potential in the field of additive manufacturing.

[0003] In the related art, LCD photocuring 3D printing technology is implemented as follows: Utilizing the imaging principle of a liquid crystal display panel, driven by a microcomputer and the display panel's driver circuit, a computer program provides image signals, resulting in the appearance of selectively transparent areas on the LCD panel. Then, under the irradiation of an ultraviolet light source, the transparent areas of the LCD panel reduce their UV light blocking, while the UV light in the non-transparent areas is blocked. The UV light that passes through the LCD panel forms the UV image area. A printing tank for holding curable liquid resin is placed on the surface of the LCD panel. The bottom of this tank is a transparent film. Since the non-transparent areas of the LCD panel are not exposed to UV light, the liquid photocurable resin in these areas is not exposed to UV light and remains liquid. At locations corresponding to the selectively transparent areas, UV light passes through the transparent film and irradiates the liquid photocurable resin, causing the exposed liquid resin to undergo a curing reaction, thereby solidifying the exposed liquid resin and forming a thin layer of the model to be printed. Repeating this printing process multiple times can simplify the production of any complex structural component.

[0004] As for photocuring 3D printing technology, its implementation process is as follows: using the principle of LCD screen imaging, driven by a microcomputer and display driver circuit, a computer program provides image signals, and ultraviolet light is used to cure the liquid resin contained in the printing tank, forming a thin layer of the model to be printed. However, the gamma curve used by LCD screens in related technologies is the gamma curve used for display, and the human eye is most sensitive to this gamma curve. During the 3D printing process, the resin's perception of brightness does not match the human eye's perception of brightness. Therefore, the gamma curve used for 3D printing is different from the gamma curve used for display. If this gamma curve is still used to drive the LCD panel to cure the resin, the grayscale utilization rate is not high.

[0005] Although existing technologies exist for reducing energy consumption in photocuring 3D printing by changing the light source power, these technologies only consider the effect of the light source on the curing effect, and do not consider the effect of changing the light source power in combination with the LCD on the curing effect. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention discloses a light source management method for an LCD light-curing 3D printer, the management method comprising the following steps:

[0007] Step 1: Obtain slice image data of the model to be printed, and obtain a display image of the corresponding liquid crystal display panel for each slice image. The display image is a set of pixel points displayed on the corresponding liquid crystal display panel;

[0008] Step 2: pre-store the optimal mapping between the slice image data and the grayscale display of each pixel, that is, store the optimal pixel grayscale value and brightness value of the slice image under the maximum light source power in the database;

[0009] Step 3: Change the light source power to a first preset power, and after changing the light source power, change the pixel grayscale value to a second grayscale value without changing the brightness value of the liquid crystal display panel. If the light curing effect meets the expectations, change the light source power to the first preset power and execute the current 3D printing task.

[0010] Step 4: If the light curing effect does not meet expectations, the light source power is changed to a second preset power and the current 3D printing task is executed.

[0011] Furthermore, the optimal pixel grayscale value is a setting corresponding to the slice image data with the highest grayscale utilization rate on the liquid crystal display panel under a fixed light source power.

[0012] Furthermore, the second preset power is higher than the first preset power.

[0013] Furthermore, in the initial stage of the printing operation, the light source parameters are first initialized, and the light source is adjusted to the maximum light source power. At this power, the curing effect is checked when all the pixels of the liquid crystal display panel are at the optimal pixel grayscale value and brightness value. If the curing effect is consistent with the content recorded in the database, the initialization of the 3D printer is completed, and the power of the light source is adjusted to the first preset power.

[0014] Furthermore, the method for judging whether the photocuring effect meets expectations is to evaluate the cross-linking reaction of the resin, or to judge the curing speed and accuracy of the resin.

[0015] The present invention also discloses a light source management device for an LCD light-curing 3D printer, the light source management device comprising the following modules:

[0016] A printing model conversion module obtains slice image data of the model to be printed, and obtains a display image of the corresponding liquid crystal display panel for each slice image, wherein the display image is a collection of pixel points displayed on the corresponding liquid crystal display panel;

[0017] The initial parameter setting module pre-stores the optimal mapping between the slice image data and the grayscale display of each pixel point, that is, the optimal pixel grayscale value and brightness value of the slice image under the maximum light source power are stored in the database;

[0018] a light source power adjustment module, which changes the light source power to a first preset power and, after changing the light source power, changes the pixel grayscale value to a second grayscale value without changing the brightness value of the liquid crystal display panel; if the light curing effect meets the expectations, changes the light source power to the first preset power and executes the current 3D printing task;

[0019] The light source power readjustment module changes the light source power to a second preset power and executes the current 3D printing task if the light curing effect does not meet expectations.

[0020] Furthermore, the optimal pixel grayscale value is a setting corresponding to the slice image data with the highest grayscale utilization rate on the liquid crystal display panel under a fixed light source power.

[0021] Furthermore, the second preset power is higher than the first preset power.

[0022] Furthermore, in the initial stage of the printing operation, the light source parameters are first initialized, and the light source is adjusted to the maximum light source power. At this power, the curing effect is checked when all the pixels of the liquid crystal display panel are at the optimal pixel grayscale value and brightness value. If the curing effect is consistent with the content recorded in the database, the initialization of the 3D printer is completed, and the power of the light source is adjusted to the first preset power.

[0023] Furthermore, the method for judging whether the photocuring effect meets expectations is to evaluate the cross-linking reaction of the resin, or to judge the curing speed and accuracy of the resin.

[0024] Compared with the existing technology, the beneficial effects of the present invention are very significant. In the existing technology, although there is an existing technology for changing the power of the light source to reduce the energy consumption of light-curing 3D printing, the existing technology only considers the influence of the light source on the curing effect, but does not consider the influence of the LCD combined with the light source power change on the curing effect. Therefore, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: while ensuring the light-curing effect, for example, evaluating the cross-linking reaction of the resin, while changing the light source power, adjust the display grayscale value and brightness value of each pixel in the LCD, and adjust the light source power to achieve energy saving without reducing the curing effect or the reduced effect is in line with expectations (such as accuracy). Compared with the existing technology, the present invention takes the influence of the LCD into consideration, so the light-curing effect can be guaranteed when the light source power is reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention can be further understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather emphasis is placed on illustrating the principles of the embodiments. In the figures, the same reference numerals designate corresponding parts in different views.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a workflow diagram of the light source management method of the LCD light-curing 3D printer of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Example 1

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a light source management method for an LCD light-curing 3D printer, and the management method includes the following steps:

[0029] Step 1: Obtain slice image data of the model to be printed, and obtain a display image of the corresponding liquid crystal display panel for each slice image. The display image is a set of pixel points displayed on the corresponding liquid crystal display panel;

[0030] Step 2: pre-store the optimal mapping between the slice image data and the grayscale display of each pixel, that is, store the optimal pixel grayscale value and brightness value of the slice image under the maximum light source power in the database;

[0031] Step 3: Change the light source power to a first preset power, and after changing the light source power, change the pixel grayscale value to a second grayscale value without changing the brightness value of the liquid crystal display panel. If the light curing effect meets the expectations, change the light source power to the first preset power and execute the current 3D printing task.

[0032] Step 4: If the light curing effect does not meet expectations, the light source power is changed to a second preset power and the current 3D printing task is executed.

[0033] Furthermore, the optimal pixel grayscale value is a setting corresponding to the slice image data with the highest grayscale utilization rate on the liquid crystal display panel under a fixed light source power.

[0034] Furthermore, the second preset power is higher than the first preset power.

[0035] Furthermore, in the initial stage of the printing operation, the light source parameters are first initialized, and the light source is adjusted to the maximum light source power. At this power, the curing effect is checked when all the pixels of the liquid crystal display panel are at the optimal pixel grayscale value and brightness value. If the curing effect is consistent with the content recorded in the database, the initialization of the 3D printer is completed, and the power of the light source is adjusted to the first preset power.

[0036] Furthermore, the method for judging whether the photocuring effect meets expectations is to evaluate the cross-linking reaction of the resin, or to judge the curing speed and accuracy of the resin.

[0037] In the related art, the implementation process of photocuring 3D printing technology is as follows: Utilizing the imaging principle of a liquid crystal display panel, driven by a microcomputer and the display panel's driver circuit, a computer program provides image signals, resulting in the appearance of selectively transparent areas on the liquid crystal display panel. Then, under the irradiation of an ultraviolet light source, the transparent areas of the LCD panel's image have reduced UV light blocking, while the UV light in the non-transparent areas is blocked. The UV light that passes through the LCD panel forms the UV image area. A printing tank for holding curable liquid resin is placed on the surface of the LCD panel. The bottom of this printing tank is a transparent film. Since the non-transparent areas of the LCD panel are not exposed to UV light, the liquid photocurable resin in these areas is not exposed to UV light and remains liquid. At locations corresponding to the selectively transparent areas, UV light passes through the transparent film and irradiates the liquid photocurable resin, causing the exposed liquid resin to undergo a curing reaction, thereby solidifying the exposed liquid resin and forming a thin layer of the model to be printed. Repeating this printing process multiple times can simplify the production of any complex structural component.

[0038] The present invention also discloses a light source management device for an LCD light-curing 3D printer, the light source management device comprising the following modules:

[0039] A printing model conversion module obtains slice image data of the model to be printed, and obtains a display image of the corresponding liquid crystal display panel for each slice image, wherein the display image is a collection of pixel points displayed on the corresponding liquid crystal display panel;

[0040] The initial parameter setting module pre-stores the optimal mapping between the slice image data and the grayscale display of each pixel point, that is, the optimal pixel grayscale value and brightness value of the slice image under the maximum light source power are stored in the database;

[0041] a light source power adjustment module, which changes the light source power to a first preset power and, after changing the light source power, changes the pixel grayscale value to a second grayscale value without changing the brightness value of the liquid crystal display panel; if the light curing effect meets the expectations, changes the light source power to the first preset power and executes the current 3D printing task;

[0042] The light source power readjustment module changes the light source power to a second preset power and executes the current 3D printing task if the light curing effect does not meet expectations.

[0043] Furthermore, the optimal pixel grayscale value is a setting corresponding to the slice image data with the highest grayscale utilization rate on the liquid crystal display panel under a fixed light source power.

[0044] Furthermore, the second preset power is higher than the first preset power.

[0045] Furthermore, in the initial stage of the printing operation, the light source parameters are first initialized, and the light source is adjusted to the maximum light source power. At this power, the curing effect is checked when all the pixels of the liquid crystal display panel are at the optimal pixel grayscale value and brightness value. If the curing effect is consistent with the content recorded in the database, the initialization of the 3D printer is completed, and the power of the light source is adjusted to the first preset power.

[0046] Furthermore, the method for judging whether the photocuring effect meets expectations is to evaluate the cross-linking reaction of the resin, or to judge the curing speed and accuracy of the resin.

[0047] It should also be noted that the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or includes elements inherent to such process, method, commodity, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present application may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the above detailed description is considered to be illustrative and not restrictive, and it should be understood that the following claims (including all equivalents) are intended to limit the spirit and scope of the present invention. These embodiments are understood to be merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. After reading the content of the record of the present invention, the technical staff may make various changes or modifications to the present invention, and these equivalent variations and modifications fall within the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A light source management method for an LCD light-curing 3D printer, characterized in that: The management method comprises the following steps: Step 1: Obtain slice image data of the model to be printed, and obtain a display image of the corresponding liquid crystal display panel for each slice image. The display image is a set of pixel points displayed on the corresponding liquid crystal display panel; Step 2: pre-store the optimal mapping between the slice image data and the grayscale display of each pixel, that is, store the optimal pixel grayscale value and brightness value of the slice image under the maximum light source power in the database; Step 3: Change the light source power to a first preset power, and after changing the light source power, change the pixel grayscale value to a second grayscale value without changing the brightness value of the liquid crystal display panel. If the light curing effect meets the expectations, change the light source power to the first preset power and execute the current 3D printing task. Step 4: If the light curing effect does not meet expectations, change the light source power to a second preset power and execute the current 3D printing task; In the initial stage of the printing operation, the light source parameters are initialized and the light source is adjusted to the maximum light source power. At this power, the curing effect is tested when all pixels of the liquid crystal display panel are at the optimal pixel grayscale value and brightness value. If the curing effect is consistent with the content recorded in the database, the initialization of the 3D printer is completed, and the power of the light source is adjusted to the first preset power. The optimal pixel grayscale value is a setting corresponding to the slice image data with the highest grayscale utilization rate on the liquid crystal display panel under a fixed light source power.

2. The light source management method of a LCD light-curing 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second preset power is higher than the first preset power.

3. The light source management method of a LCD light-curing 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The way to judge whether the light curing effect meets expectations is to evaluate the cross-linking reaction of the resin, or to judge the curing speed and accuracy of the resin.

Images