Laser control board, laser control system and laser control method

Abstract

This application relates to a laser control board, a laser control system, and a laser control method, including a main control chip, a preload device, and a trigger output unit. Both the preload device and the trigger output unit are connected to the main control chip, with the preload device connected to the trigger output unit, which in turn is connected to a laser. The main control chip outputs a pre-start signal to the preload device and sends a laser output signal to the trigger output unit according to a preset laser processing program. The preload device continuously outputs a preload signal to the trigger output unit based on the pre-start signal. The trigger output unit, upon receiving both the preload signal and the laser output signal, outputs a corresponding laser control signal to the laser. The laser control signal is used to control the laser beam output from the laser. By using the preload device to output a preload signal in advance, the main control chip only needs to control the structurally simple trigger output unit during laser control, reducing response time loss and improving the response rate of laser control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of laser technology, and in particular to a laser control board, a laser control system, a laser control method, an apparatus, a computer device, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] Laser processing technology is a processing technique that utilizes the interaction between a laser beam and matter to perform cutting, welding, surface treatment, drilling, and micromachining on materials (including metals and non-metals). It is widely used in scenarios requiring cutting or drilling. Laser processing technology relies on a laser to emit laser light, and then a beam deflection device adjusts the direction and path of the laser beam.

[0003] In traditional laser processing, when controlling one or more lasers, conventional laser drive control methods suffer from slow response times, especially when controlling different lasers simultaneously. Discrepancies in circuitry or signal transmission between signal output and activation can easily lead to asynchronous laser control. Since laser processing technology is extremely time-sensitive, a high degree of synchronization is essential for successful processing. Therefore, improving the response rate of laser control and reducing time loss is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a laser control board, laser control system, laser control method, device, computer equipment, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product that can improve the response rate of laser control in order to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a laser control board, including a main control chip, a preload device, and a trigger output unit. The preload device and the trigger output unit are both connected to the main control chip. The preload device is connected to the trigger output unit, and the trigger output unit is connected to a laser.

[0006] The main control chip is used to output a pre-start signal to the preload device and send a laser output signal to the trigger output unit according to the preset laser processing program. The preload device is used to output a preload signal to the trigger output unit based on the pre-start signal. The trigger output unit is used to output a corresponding laser control signal to the laser when it receives the preload signal and the laser output signal. The laser control signal is used to control the laser to output a laser beam.

[0007] In one embodiment, the trigger output unit includes an analog signal selector with multiple output channels, the analog signal selector being connected to the main control chip, the preload device, and the laser;

[0008] Each output channel of the analog signal selector is used to receive the preload signal and to activate the corresponding output channel according to the laser output signal, thereby outputting the corresponding laser control signal.

[0009] In one embodiment, the preloading device is a digital-to-analog converter, which is connected to the main control chip and the trigger output unit;

[0010] The digital-to-analog converter is used to generate the preload signal according to the pre-start signal, and to output the preload signal to the trigger output unit.

[0011] In one embodiment, the main control chip includes a microprocessor and a programmable chip, the microprocessor being connected to the programmable chip, and the programmable chip being connected to the preload device and the trigger output unit.

[0012] Secondly, this application also provides a laser control system, including a host computer, a laser, and a laser control board as described in the above embodiments, wherein the host computer and the laser are both connected to the laser control board; the host computer is used to send laser processing programs to the laser control board, and the laser control board is used to control the laser to output a laser beam.

[0013] In one embodiment, the laser control system further includes a beam deflection device connected to the laser control board and positioned in the laser path of the laser beam, for adjusting the laser path of the laser beam according to different operating states.

[0014] In one embodiment, there are two or more lasers, each of which is connected to the laser control board; wherein, different lasers have different characteristics.

[0015] Thirdly, this application also provides a laser control method, implemented based on the laser control system described in the above embodiments, the method comprising:

[0016] Acquire the working status of the laser and the laser processing program of the host computer;

[0017] The laser power parameters corresponding to the laser control signal are determined based on the laser processing program of the host computer.

[0018] When the laser's operating state is switched to the start state, a suppression power parameter is determined based on the laser power parameter, and a laser control signal corresponding to the suppression power parameter is output to the laser; the suppression power parameter is less than the laser power parameter.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0020] Within a preset time after the laser's operating state is switched to the start state, the suppression power parameter is controlled to increase uniformly to the laser power parameter, and a corresponding laser control signal is output to the laser.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0022] The number of laser pulses in the laser control signal is determined based on the laser processing program of the host computer.

[0023] The number of interrupt pulses in the laser control signal is determined based on the number of laser pulses.

[0024] The interrupt pulses are evenly inserted between the laser pulses to generate a heat dissipation laser control signal, and the heat dissipation laser control signal is output to the laser.

[0025] Fourthly, this application also provides a laser control device, implemented based on the laser control system described in the above embodiments, comprising:

[0026] The input module is used to acquire the working status of the laser and the laser processing program of the host computer;

[0027] The program activation module is used to determine the laser power parameters corresponding to the laser control signal based on the laser processing program of the host computer;

[0028] The power control module is used to determine a suppression power parameter based on the laser power parameter when the laser's operating state is switched to the start state, and to output a laser control signal corresponding to the suppression power parameter to the laser; the suppression power parameter is less than the laser power parameter.

[0029] Fifthly, this application also provides a computer device, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0030] Acquire the working status of the laser and the laser processing program of the host computer;

[0031] The laser power parameters corresponding to the laser control signal are determined based on the laser processing program of the host computer.

[0032] When the laser's operating state is switched to the start state, a suppression power parameter is determined based on the laser power parameter, and a laser control signal corresponding to the suppression power parameter is output to the laser; the suppression power parameter is less than the laser power parameter.

[0033] Sixthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0034] Acquire the working status of the laser and the laser processing program of the host computer;

[0035] The laser power parameters corresponding to the laser control signal are determined based on the laser processing program of the host computer.

[0036] When the laser's operating state is switched to the start state, a suppression power parameter is determined based on the laser power parameter, and a laser control signal corresponding to the suppression power parameter is output to the laser; the suppression power parameter is less than the laser power parameter.

[0037] In a seventh aspect, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0038] Acquire the working status of the laser and the laser processing program of the host computer;

[0039] The laser power parameters corresponding to the laser control signal are determined based on the laser processing program of the host computer.

[0040] When the laser's operating state is switched to the start state, a suppression power parameter is determined based on the laser power parameter, and a laser control signal corresponding to the suppression power parameter is output to the laser; the suppression power parameter is less than the laser power parameter.

[0041] The aforementioned laser control board, laser control system, laser control method, device, computer equipment, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program products include a main control chip, a preload device, and a trigger output unit. Both the preload device and the trigger output unit are connected to the main control chip. The preload device is connected to the trigger output unit, and the trigger output unit is connected to the laser. The main control chip outputs a pre-start signal to the preload device and sends a laser output signal to the trigger output unit according to a preset laser processing program. The preload device outputs a preload signal to the trigger output unit based on the pre-start signal. The trigger output unit outputs a corresponding laser control signal to the laser upon receiving the preload signal and the laser output signal. The laser control signal is used to control the laser beam output from the laser. By pre-preparing the preload signal using the preload device, the main control chip only needs to control the trigger output unit to control the laser beam output from the laser when laser control is required. Since the signal triggering rate is faster than the signal generation rate, and the trigger output unit structure, used only for signal triggering, can be designed to be simpler, signal loss and response time loss are reduced, improving the response rate of laser control. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the laser control board in one embodiment;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of the laser control board in another embodiment;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of the laser control system in one embodiment;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a laser control method in one embodiment;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the laser control method in another embodiment;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the laser control method in yet another embodiment;

[0049] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of the laser control device in one embodiment;

[0050] Figure 8 This is an internal structural diagram of a computer device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0052] It is understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., used herein may be used to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, a first resistor may be referred to as a second resistor, and similarly, a second resistor may be referred to as a first resistor. Both the first resistor and the second resistor are resistors, but they are not the same resistor.

[0053] It is understood that the term "connection" in the following embodiments should be understood as "electrical connection," "communication connection," etc., if the connected circuits, modules, units, etc., have electrical signal or data transmission with each other.

[0054] When used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising / including” or “having,” etc., specify the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Meanwhile, the term “and / or” as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0056] In practical applications, lasers only generate laser beams for laser processing upon receiving a laser control signal. The intensity of the generated laser beam varies depending on the laser power parameters included in the control signal. In traditional laser processing, a common solution involves using a laser control board to control the laser. The laser control signal output by this board is affected by its internal structure, resulting in a certain delay. This is especially true for applications controlling two or more lasers simultaneously. The signal generation, transmission, and output paths within the control board, as well as the type of chip used, all influence the delay of the laser control signal, leading to varying degrees of reduced response speed from different lasers.

[0057] Therefore, in one embodiment, this application provides a laser control board, such as Figure 1As shown, the system includes a main control chip 102, a preload device 104, and a trigger output unit 106. Both the preload device 104 and the trigger output unit 106 are connected to the main control chip 102. The preload device 104 is connected to the trigger output unit 106, and the trigger output unit 106 is connected to the laser. The main control chip 102 is used to output a preload signal to the preload device 104 and send a laser output signal to the trigger output unit 106 according to a preset laser processing program. The preload device 104 is used to output a preload signal to the trigger output unit 106 based on the preload signal. The trigger output unit 106 is used to output a corresponding laser control signal to the laser upon receiving the preload signal and the laser output signal. The laser control signal is used to control the laser to output a laser beam.

[0058] The main control chip 102 stores a preset laser processing program. This program must be stored before controlling the laser to generate a laser control signal. The laser processing program can be transmitted to the main control chip 102 from other devices or input by the operator. The laser processing program includes various data related to the laser beam parameters, characterizing laser power parameters, laser generation time, or intervals, etc.

[0059] The preload device 104, acting as a pre-start device in the laser control board, receives a pre-start signal and generates a preload signal when the main control chip 102 begins executing the laser processing program. In traditional laser control, the preload signal can be used as the laser control signal to control the laser. However, the generation process of the preload signal is time-consuming. If the main control chip 102 only controls the preload device 104 to output the preload signal at a set time according to the programming in the laser processing program, the laser's response rate will be low. Therefore, in this embodiment, the main control chip 102 can output a pre-start signal to the preload device 104 at startup. The preload device 104 is activated by the pre-start signal and outputs the preload signal to the trigger output unit 106. This is equivalent to preparing the preload signal in advance and transmitting it to the trigger output unit 106. The main control chip 102 can control the trigger output unit 106 to generate and output the laser output signal.

[0060] Optionally, the preload signal generated by the preload device 104 can be continuously sent to the trigger output unit 106, or it can be sent to the trigger output unit 106 within a certain time period based on a preset laser processing program. When the preload device 104 sends the preload signal at regular intervals according to the preset laser processing program, the main control chip 102 can adjust the advance time of sending the pre-start signal to the preload device 104 according to the signal generation speed of the preload device 104. For example, when it takes about 10 microseconds for the preload device 104 to generate the preload signal, the main control chip 102 will send the corresponding pre-start signal to the preload device 104 10 microseconds in advance based on the preset laser processing program.

[0061] The preload signal can also be continuously sent. That is, the main control chip 102 determines the pre-start signal according to the preset laser processing program and sends the pre-start signal to the preload device 104. The preload device continuously generates the preload signal and sends it to the trigger output unit 106, ensuring that the trigger output unit 106 can simultaneously receive the preload signal output by the preload device 104 and the laser output signal output by the main control chip 102 when the laser control signal needs to be output.

[0062] Based on the above, the trigger output unit 106 only needs to transmit the preload signal, which takes less time than generating the preload signal. The main control chip 102 generates a laser output signal according to the laser processing program and sends it to the trigger output unit 106 as the start signal for outputting the preload signal in the trigger output unit 106. The trigger output unit 106 continuously receives the preload signal sent by the preload device 104 and only outputs the laser output signal, i.e., the specified preload signal, when it simultaneously receives the laser output signal. It is understood that the trigger output unit 106 is used to transmit the preload signal and does not involve signal generation, which helps to reduce the response time under the control of the laser processing program and ensures the control accuracy and response rate of the laser processing.

[0063] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the trigger output unit 106 includes an analog signal selector with multiple output channels, which is connected to the main control chip 102, the preload device 104, and the laser. Each output channel of the analog signal selector is used to receive a preload signal and to activate the corresponding output channel according to the laser output signal, thereby outputting a corresponding laser control signal.

[0064] Specifically, the preload device 104 can generate various types of preload signals, which are then transmitted to different output channels of the analog signal selector. The analog signal selector, also known as a multiplexer or multiplexer (MUX), selects a signal from multiple analog input signals and forwards it, outputting different selected signals to the same output line. In other words, it can select the preload signal matching the laser processing program and laser output signal from multiple continuously received preload signals as the laser control signal, activate the channel containing that preload signal, and output it to the connected laser. The laser generates the corresponding laser beam based on the laser control signal.

[0065] Optionally, in one embodiment, the preload device 104 is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) connected to the main control chip 102 and the trigger output unit 106. The DAC is used to generate a preload signal based on the pre-start signal and to output the preload signal to the trigger output unit 106.

[0066] A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is a device that converts discrete digital signals into analog signals. When used in conjunction with an analog signal selector, a DAC can pre-output multiple preloaded signals and, during the switching process of the analog signal selector, output different analog signals as laser control signals for transmission through their respective transmission channels.

[0067] In traditional laser control boards, controlling the laser power of a laser via analog signals is limited by the time (approximately 10µs) from the configuration register to the analog signal output in the DAC, resulting in a certain time delay in laser control. However, when the laser control board uses a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and an analog signal selector to output the laser control signal, the analog signal from the DAC is continuously output to the analog signal selector. The analog signal selector only needs to select the corresponding channel to conduct according to the laser output signal transmitted by the main control chip 102, so that the corresponding preload signal is output as the laser control signal to the laser. Therefore, when the analog signal selector switches channels in response to the laser processing program, the control time can be compressed to 1µs, achieving rapid response. When controlling two or more lasers simultaneously, highly efficient synchronous control can also be achieved based on the shorter control time.

[0068] In this embodiment, the laser control board includes a main control chip 102, a preload device 104, and a trigger output unit 106. Both the preload device 104 and the trigger output unit 106 are connected to the main control chip 102. The preload device 104 is connected to the trigger output unit 106, and the trigger output unit 106 is connected to the laser. The main control chip 102 outputs a pre-start signal to the preload device 104 and sends a laser output signal to the trigger output unit 106 according to a preset laser processing program. The preload device 104 outputs a preload signal to the trigger output unit 106 based on the pre-start signal. The trigger output unit 106 outputs a corresponding laser control signal to the laser upon receiving the preload signal and the laser output signal. The laser control signal is used to control the laser beam output from the laser. By using the preload device 104 to prepare the preload signal in advance, when laser control is required, the main control chip 102 only needs to control the trigger output unit 106 to complete the laser beam output control of the laser. Since the signal triggering rate is faster than the signal generation rate, and the trigger output unit 106 structure used only for signal triggering can be designed to be relatively simple, signal loss and response time loss can be reduced, thereby improving the response rate of laser control.

[0069] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the main control chip 102 includes a microprocessor 202 and a programmable chip 204. The microprocessor 202 is connected to the programmable chip 204, and the programmable chip 204 is connected to the preload device 104 and the trigger output unit 106.

[0070] The main control chip 102 can be a fully programmable system-on-a-chip (SoC), such as ZYNQ. ZYNQ is a SoCFPGA that combines an ARM processor and FPGA logic to form an FPGA with an embedded processor. This design allows ZYNQ to possess both the programmability of ARM software and the programmability of FPGA hardware, making it suitable for scenarios requiring high integration and flexible configuration. The main control chip 102 integrates software and hardware programmability, enabling applications in complex embedded systems through high flexibility and scalability.

[0071] Specifically, the main control chip 102 includes a microprocessor 202 and a programmable chip 204. The microprocessor 202 focuses on software programmability and is used to store or retrieve laser processing programs. The programmable chip 204 focuses on hardware programmability and is used to complete signal interaction with the preloading device 104 and the trigger output unit 106. The microprocessor 202 can be an ARM processor, and the programmable chip 204 can be an FPGA. The microprocessor 202 and the programmable chip 204 are connected to realize signal interaction. The programmable chip 204 is also connected to the preloading device 104 and the trigger output unit 106, and can send a pre-start signal to the preloading device 104 and send a laser output signal to the trigger output unit 106 based on the preset laser processing program.

[0072] Optionally, depending on the model or operating function of the preload device 104, the following two scenarios can be discussed: When the preload device 104 can continuously output a preload signal according to the pre-start signal, the programmable chip 204 can send a pre-start signal to the preload device 104 once at startup to drive the preload signal. When the preload device 104 only outputs a preload signal in response to the pre-start signal, and stops outputting the preload signal after a certain period of time when no pre-start signal is received, the programmable chip 204 can send a pre-start signal to the preload device 104 at regular intervals after startup to ensure that the preload signal can be continuously and stably output, so as to ensure the stable generation of the laser beam.

[0073] Furthermore, the microprocessor 202 can also be connected to a host computer to obtain the laser processing program, which is then stored in the microprocessor 202 and used as a preset laser processing program to be called by the programmable chip 204 so that the programmable chip 204 can generate a laser output signal.

[0074] The programmable chip 204 can also be connected to a laser, sending an online signal to it. The laser will only generate a laser beam if it receives both the online signal and the laser control signal simultaneously. This online signal is used to verify whether the laser is in position and whether it can respond and operate accurately. In this embodiment, by setting ZYNQ as the main control chip 102, both software and hardware programmability are considered, retaining a high degree of freedom to control the laser.

[0075] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides a laser control system, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the system includes a host computer, a laser, and a laser control board as described in the above embodiments. Both the host computer and the laser are connected to the laser control board. The host computer is used to send laser processing programs to the laser control board, and the laser control board is used to control the laser output beam.

[0076] Specifically, the host computer connects to the laser control board, which can be the main control chip 102 within the laser control board. When the main control chip 102 is a ZYNQ, the host computer can connect to the microprocessor 202 to send the laser processing program to the laser control board. The laser is connected to the laser control board, specifically to the trigger output unit 106 within the laser control board, such as an analog signal selector MUX. Furthermore, the laser can also be connected to the main control chip 102 of the laser control board, specifically the programmable chip 204 within the main control chip 102, such as an FPGA. The FPGA and the analog signal selector MUX jointly control the laser beam output of the laser.

[0077] A beam deflection device is typically installed along the laser beam's path to ensure that the laser beam can accurately process the designated position of the workpiece under the adjustment of the beam deflection device. Therefore, in one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the laser control system also includes a beam deflection device. This device is connected to the laser control board and positioned along the laser beam's path to adjust the beam's path according to different operating conditions. The beam deflection device includes components such as a galvanometer, a rotating mirror, an AOD (Optical Displacement Optimizer), and an AOM (Optical Oscillator), which deflect the passing laser beam along its path, thereby facilitating scanning and processing of the workpiece.

[0078] For example, the beam deflection device may include a galvanometer and a galvanometer board. The galvanometer board can control the working state of the galvanometer, such as its setting position and angle. When the laser beam enters the galvanometer, the laser path is changed by the refraction or reflection of the galvanometer, so that the laser beam finally enters the designated position of the workpiece for processing. When the beam deflection device is other devices, the principle of generating laser beam deflection may be different. This application does not limit the working principle of the beam deflection device. The description of the galvanometer and galvanometer board above is only illustrative.

[0079] The beam deflection device is connected to the main control chip 102. When the main control chip 102 includes a programmable chip 204 and a microprocessor 202, the beam deflection device can be connected to the programmable chip 204 in the main control chip 102, which focuses on hardware programmability, and the programmable chip 204 issues control commands to the beam deflection device. For example, when the beam deflection device includes a galvanometer and a galvanometer board, the galvanometer board is connected to the laser control board, which can be connected to the programmable chip 204 in the main control chip 102, and the programmable chip 204 issues control commands to the galvanometer board. Furthermore, the galvanometer board can also monitor the working status of the galvanometer and transmit the monitored working status as a feedback signal to the programmable chip 204 of the main control chip 102.

[0080] Furthermore, in one embodiment, there are two or more lasers, each connected to a laser control board, specifically connected to a trigger output unit 106. Each laser can obtain a corresponding laser control signal from the trigger output unit 106, enabling synchronous control of the two or more lasers. Further, the trigger output unit 106 within the laser control board can also be two or more, corresponding to the number of lasers. The main control chip 102 outputs different laser output signals to different trigger output units 106, controlling the corresponding trigger output unit 106 to output the corresponding laser control signal, thereby controlling the corresponding laser to generate a laser beam.

[0081] Different lasers possess different characteristics. These characteristics refer to the unique laser properties of each laser, such as signal transmission path, laser generation rate, laser beam intensity parameters due to differences in mechanical structure, and laser beam timing parameters. Even two lasers of the same model may require different laser processing programs due to their different characteristics. Therefore, the preset laser processing program in this application can be adjusted to suit the different characteristics of each laser, enabling accurate and rapid control of each laser and thus achieving synchronous control of multiple lasers.

[0082] Optionally, each laser can be connected not only to the trigger output unit 106 of the laser control board, but also to the main control chip 102 of the laser control board, specifically the programmable chip 204 within the main control chip 102. The number of laser control boards can also be two or more, with the main control chips 102 within the two laser control boards communicating with each other to achieve synchronous control of two or more lasers. For example, due to limitations in traditional signal transmission ports or the computing power of the main control chip 102, the number of lasers can be two.

[0083] In this embodiment, by establishing a laser control system that synchronously controls two or more lasers, the response speed of the laser control board is improved, thereby increasing the control synchronization rate between the lasers, which helps to ensure the stability and reliability of the laser processing process.

[0084] Based on the aforementioned laser control system, this application also provides a laser control method that can be applied to a laser control system. In an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 4 As shown, a laser control method is provided, which can be applied to... Figure 2 The following steps are used as an example of the laser control board: steps 402 to 406.

[0085] Step 402: Obtain the working status of the laser and the laser processing program of the host computer.

[0086] The laser's operating status includes whether it is online and whether it can be started, as well as its hardware characteristics such as type and model. All of this information can be obtained through interaction between the laser control board and the laser. The laser processing program from the host computer is sent to the laser control board and stored there.

[0087] Specifically, the laser control board connects to the laser and the host computer to obtain the laser's operating status and the laser processing program from the host computer. It's important to note that during laser control, the host computer does not need to maintain constant contact with the laser control board; that is, once the laser control board obtains the laser processing program, it can perform laser control without interacting with the host computer.

[0088] Step 404: Determine the laser power parameters corresponding to the laser control signal based on the laser processing program of the host computer.

[0089] Specifically, the laser control board analyzes the corresponding laser power parameters based on the laser processing program issued by the host computer, or it can analyze the corresponding laser power parameters in conjunction with the laser's operating status. The laser power parameter characterizes the intensity of the laser beam generated by the laser that needs to be controlled at a given moment; the two are usually positively correlated. In the laser control board of the above embodiment, the laser power parameter can correspond to the laser control signal, obtained by the main control chip through signal output control of the preload device and the trigger output unit.

[0090] For example, when the main control chip sends a laser output signal to the trigger output unit according to the preset laser processing program, the trigger output unit outputs a laser control signal based on the preload signal output by the preload device and under the control of the laser output signal. The corresponding laser power parameter in the laser control signal is used to control the laser beam intensity of the laser.

[0091] Step 406: When the laser's working state is switched to the start state, the suppression power parameter is determined based on the laser power parameter, and the laser control signal corresponding to the suppression power parameter is output to the laser.

[0092] In the actual operation of lasers, due to the different characteristics of different lasers, the laser power parameters set in laser processing will also be different. Furthermore, at the initial startup, the laser may experience excessively high initial pulse energy. Even assuming the laser power parameter received by the laser is maintained at a certain value, the laser intensity on the workpiece during actual processing will be higher in the first processing position or program than in subsequent processing positions or programs, resulting in unstable laser processing with initially high intensity followed by decreasing intensity. For example, when using the same laser power parameters to process holes in a workpiece, the depth and diameter of the first hole processed will be larger than the second hole, and the second hole may be larger than the third hole, until a stable hole is obtained after the laser energy stabilizes.

[0093] To solve the above problems, the working status of the laser can be monitored during the laser power parameter output process, and the first pulse suppression control can be implemented when the laser's working status switches from the shutdown state to the startup state, that is, when the laser just starts up.

[0094] Specifically, when the laser switches to the start-up state, that is, when the laser just starts up, the laser control board adjusts the laser power parameter corresponding to the laser control signal determined in the previous step to obtain the suppression power parameter, and outputs the laser control signal with the suppression power parameter as the first laser control signal to the laser. The suppression power parameter is lower than the laser power parameter, and the corresponding laser beam intensity is also lower than the laser beam intensity of the laser power parameter, which can be used to achieve first-pulse suppression of the laser.

[0095] Furthermore, the suppression power parameter can be determined based on the laser power parameter. For example, the suppression power parameter can be obtained by proportionally reducing the power according to the magnitude of the laser power parameter. When the laser power parameter is output in the form of a duty cycle, and the duty cycle is 60%, the suppression power parameter can be used to suppress the first pulse by adjusting the duty cycle. For example, the duty cycle of the suppression power parameter can be 10% to suppress the laser beam generated by the first pulse.

[0096] Alternatively, the suppression power parameter can also be based on the average power of each laser pulse to suppress the first pulse, according to the magnitude of the laser power parameter. For example, when the average power of each laser pulse is 15W, the first pulse can be suppressed by directly reducing the power, that is, the output suppression power parameter is less than the average power of 15W, which can be 10W.

[0097] In this embodiment, by controlling the laser power parameters corresponding to the laser control signal of the laser, the generation suppression power parameters are adjusted to suppress the first pulse control of the laser, so as to ensure that the output power of the laser is stable and corresponds to the laser power parameters in the laser processing program, reduce the laser energy overflow of the first pulse of the laser, and facilitate the realization of stable and accurate laser control.

[0098] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the laser control method further includes step 502: within a preset time after the laser's working state is switched to the start state, the suppression power parameter is controlled to increase uniformly to the laser power parameter, and the corresponding laser control signal is output to the laser.

[0099] Specifically, after suppressing the first pulse, the laser beam intensity in subsequent laser pulses may also be too high due to the characteristics of the laser. Therefore, in addition to outputting the laser control signal corresponding to the suppression power parameter, it is also necessary to adjust the subsequent laser control signals corresponding to the suppression power parameter. In other words, the problem of excessive laser beam energy caused by the characteristics of the laser takes a period of time to eliminate, and it does not only occur in the first pulse, but the deviation of excessive laser beam energy is greatest in the first pulse.

[0100] To this end, the laser control board will continuously adjust the laser power parameters for a preset time after the laser switches to the start-up state, so that the laser control signal can correspondingly control the laser to achieve stable output. The value and selection of the preset time can be determined according to the characteristics of the laser in its working state, such as the laser model and specifications.

[0101] Within a preset time, the laser control signal output by the laser control board increases uniformly from the suppression power parameter to the laser power parameter. In other words, when the laser switches from the working state to the start state, the laser control signal output by the laser control board corresponds to the laser control signal with the suppression power parameter; when the laser is in the start state and has been maintained for a preset time, the laser control signal output by the laser control board corresponds to the laser control signal with the laser power parameter.

[0102] For example, from the time the laser switches to the start-up state until a preset time is reached, it can output 6 laser pulses, i.e., a laser beam, corresponding to the reception of 6 laser control signals. If the duty cycle of the laser power parameter is 60% and the duty cycle of the suppression power parameter is 10%, then the duty cycles of the above 6 laser control signals are 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% respectively. The laser control board controls the power parameter corresponding to the laser control signal to increase uniformly from the suppression power parameter to the laser power parameter, and maintains the output laser power parameter for the subsequent time. This embodiment adjusts the laser control signal to maintain pulse suppression of the laser and uniformly reduce pulse suppression over time until the laser power parameter is reached. This helps to ensure the stability of the laser beam energy output, cancel out the energy deviation caused by the characteristics of the laser, maintain a stable laser processing effect, and increase the stability of laser control.

[0103] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the laser control method further includes steps 602 to 606 when outputting a laser control signal to the laser. Optionally, steps 602 to 606 can be performed after step 404.

[0104] Step 602: Determine the number of laser pulses in the laser control signal based on the laser processing program of the host computer.

[0105] Specifically, the laser processing program issued by the host computer is used to generate laser control signals. The control of the laser by these signals can be represented in the form of laser pulses. Therefore, the number of laser pulses in the laser control signals can be determined based on the laser processing program. The number of laser pulses is a pre-set number in the laser processing program and can be modified as needed, determined according to the actual situation.

[0106] Step 604: Determine the number of interrupt pulses of the laser control signal based on the number of laser pulses.

[0107] Based on the number of laser pulses obtained, the actual laser processing process can be predicted. Because the laser continuously outputs a laser beam to operate at high temperatures on the workpiece, in some laser processing procedures, the accumulated temperature may cause the workpiece to reach its melting point and melt, affecting the processing results. For example, in drilling, if multiple high-power laser pulses are applied to the same location on the material to be processed, the accumulated high temperature from the laser pulses can easily melt the material, leading to abnormal hole shapes and poor laser processing results.

[0108] Therefore, the laser control board can add interrupt pulses to the laser control signal based on the number of laser pulses. These interrupt pulses slow down heat accumulation, allowing the workpiece time to dissipate heat and reducing the likelihood of deformation due to high temperatures. Specifically, the laser control board estimates the workpiece's heat tolerance and heat dissipation efficiency based on the number of laser pulses and the estimated laser intensity in the laser processing program. It then calculates the intervals between these intervals for adding an interrupt pulse for heat dissipation, or the time interval between each laser pulse output.

[0109] Optionally, the number of interrupt pulses can be determined based on the magnitude of the laser power parameter in the laser control signal, the number of laser pulses in the laser control signal, or the laser processing time in the laser control signal. These three factors can also be combined arbitrarily to obtain the number of interrupt pulses.

[0110] Step 606: Interruption pulses are evenly inserted between laser pulses to generate a heat dissipation laser control signal, and the heat dissipation laser control signal is output to the laser.

[0111] Upon receiving the interrupt pulse, the laser control board evenly inserts the interrupt pulse between the laser pulses, ensuring that an interrupt pulse is output after a certain number of laser pulses to slow down heat accumulation and ensure efficient heat dissipation during laser processing. The laser pulses after the interrupt pulse insertion are marked as the heat dissipation laser control signal. This heat dissipation laser control signal, compared to the original laser control signal, includes the interrupt pulse to interrupt laser processing, thus facilitating heat dissipation.

[0112] For example, when the number of laser pulses is 10, an interrupt pulse can be inserted between the fifth and sixth laser pulses; when the number of laser pulses is 20, interrupt pulses can be inserted between the fifth and sixth laser pulses, between the tenth and eleventh laser pulses, and between the fifteenth and sixteenth laser pulses. Furthermore, each insertion can be one or more interrupt pulses, the specific number depending on the heat dissipation requirements.

[0113] In this embodiment, by inserting an interrupt pulse into the laser pulse of the laser control signal, heat is dissipated during laser processing, preventing heat accumulation that could damage the workpiece. This enhances the laser control board's ability to control the laser beam energy during laser processing, thereby improving the stability of laser control and ensuring reliable laser processing.

[0114] To better understand the above scheme, combined with Figure 3 The application scenarios shown below will be explained in detail with reference to a specific embodiment.

[0115] In one embodiment, a laser control system is provided, including a host computer, two or more lasers, a galvanometer, a galvanometer board, and a laser control board. The laser control board includes a main control chip, a preload device, and a trigger output unit. The trigger output unit includes an analog signal selector (MUX) with multiple output channels. The preload device is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The main control chip (ZYNQ) includes an ARM microprocessor and a programmable FPGA.

[0116] The laser control board acquires the laser's operating status and the host computer's laser processing program. Based on the host computer's laser processing program, it determines the laser power parameters corresponding to the laser control signal. When the laser's operating status switches to the start state, it determines the suppression power parameters based on the laser power parameters and outputs the laser control signal corresponding to the suppression power parameters to the laser. Within a preset time after the laser's operating status switches to the start state, it controls the suppression power parameters to increase uniformly to the laser power parameters and outputs the corresponding laser control signal to the laser.

[0117] During the entire laser power parameter control process, the laser control board also determines the number of laser pulses in the laser control signal based on the laser processing program of the host computer, determines the number of interrupt pulses in the laser control signal based on the number of laser pulses, inserts the interrupt pulses evenly between the laser pulses to generate a heat dissipation laser control signal, and outputs the heat dissipation laser control signal to the laser.

[0118] In this embodiment, a faster-response laser control board is constructed by using an analog signal selector to output laser control signals in a timely manner. This enables high synchronization rates when controlling multiple lasers synchronously, reducing response time loss and improving the response rate of laser control. Simultaneously, first-pulse suppression and heat dissipation are implemented during laser control to ensure stable and reliable laser processing.

[0119] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0120] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a laser control device for implementing the laser control method described above. The solution provided by this device is similar to the solution described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in one or more laser control device embodiments provided below can be found in the limitations of the laser control method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0121] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, a laser control device is provided, including: an input module 720, a program activation module 740, and a power control module 760, wherein:

[0122] Input module 720 is used to acquire the working status of the laser and the laser processing program of the host computer;

[0123] The program enables module 740, which is used to determine the laser power parameters corresponding to the laser control signal based on the laser processing program of the host computer;

[0124] The power control module 760 is used to determine the suppression power parameter based on the laser power parameter when the laser's working state is switched to the start state, and output the laser control signal corresponding to the suppression power parameter to the laser; the suppression power parameter is less than the laser power parameter.

[0125] In one embodiment, the laser control device further includes a pulse adjustment module, which controls the suppression power parameter to increase uniformly to the laser power parameter within a preset time after the laser's working state is switched to the start state, and outputs a corresponding laser control signal to the laser.

[0126] In one embodiment, the laser control device further includes a heat dissipation control module, which is used to determine the number of laser pulses in the laser control signal based on the laser processing program of the host computer, determine the number of interrupt pulses in the laser control signal based on the number of laser pulses, uniformly insert the interrupt pulses between the laser pulses to generate a heat dissipation laser control signal, and output the heat dissipation laser control signal to the laser.

[0127] Each module in the aforementioned laser control device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in the processor of a computer device in hardware form or independent of it, or stored in the memory of a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0128] In one exemplary embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a terminal, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 8As shown, the computer device includes a processor, memory, input / output interfaces, a communication interface, a display unit, and an input device. The processor, memory, and input / output interfaces are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface, display unit, and input device are also connected to the system bus via the input / output interfaces. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The input / output interfaces are used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, Near Field Communication (NFC), or other technologies. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a laser control method. The display unit is used to form a visually visible image and can be a display screen, a projection device, or a virtual reality imaging device. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The input device of the computer device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, or buttons, trackballs, or touchpads set on the casing of the computer device, or external keyboards, touchpads, or mice, etc.

[0129] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 8 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0130] In one exemplary embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0131] Acquire the working status of the laser and the laser processing program from the host computer;

[0132] The laser power parameters corresponding to the laser control signal are determined based on the laser processing program of the host computer.

[0133] When the laser's operating state is switched to the start state, the suppression power parameter is determined based on the laser power parameter, and the laser control signal corresponding to the suppression power parameter is output to the laser; the suppression power parameter is less than the laser power parameter.

[0134] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0135] Within a preset time after the laser switches to the start-up state, the control suppression power parameter is uniformly increased to the laser power parameter, and the corresponding laser control signal is output to the laser.

[0136] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0137] The laser processing program based on the host computer determines the number of laser pulses in the laser control signal, determines the number of interrupt pulses in the laser control signal based on the number of laser pulses, inserts the interrupt pulses evenly between the laser pulses to generate a heat dissipation laser control signal, and outputs the heat dissipation laser control signal to the laser.

[0138] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program performing the following steps when executed by a processor:

[0139] Acquire the working status of the laser and the laser processing program from the host computer;

[0140] The laser power parameters corresponding to the laser control signal are determined based on the laser processing program of the host computer.

[0141] When the laser's operating state is switched to the start state, the suppression power parameter is determined based on the laser power parameter, and the laser control signal corresponding to the suppression power parameter is output to the laser; the suppression power parameter is less than the laser power parameter.

[0142] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0143] Within a preset time after the laser switches to the start-up state, the control suppression power parameter is uniformly increased to the laser power parameter, and the corresponding laser control signal is output to the laser.

[0144] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0145] The laser processing program based on the host computer determines the number of laser pulses in the laser control signal, determines the number of interrupt pulses in the laser control signal based on the number of laser pulses, inserts the interrupt pulses evenly between the laser pulses to generate a heat dissipation laser control signal, and outputs the heat dissipation laser control signal to the laser.

[0146] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0147] Acquire the working status of the laser and the laser processing program from the host computer;

[0148] The laser power parameters corresponding to the laser control signal are determined based on the laser processing program of the host computer.

[0149] When the laser's operating state is switched to the start state, the suppression power parameter is determined based on the laser power parameter, and the laser control signal corresponding to the suppression power parameter is output to the laser; the suppression power parameter is less than the laser power parameter.

[0150] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0151] Within a preset time after the laser switches to the start-up state, the control suppression power parameter is uniformly increased to the laser power parameter, and the corresponding laser control signal is output to the laser.

[0152] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0153] The laser processing program based on the host computer determines the number of laser pulses in the laser control signal, determines the number of interrupt pulses in the laser control signal based on the number of laser pulses, inserts the interrupt pulses evenly between the laser pulses to generate a heat dissipation laser control signal, and outputs the heat dissipation laser control signal to the laser.

[0154] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, artificial intelligence (AI) processors, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0155] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this application.

[0156] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A laser control board, characterized in that, It includes a main control chip, a preload device, and a trigger output unit. The preload device and the trigger output unit are both connected to the main control chip. The preload device is connected to the trigger output unit, and the trigger output unit is connected to a laser. The main control chip is used to output a pre-start signal to the preload device and send a laser output signal to the trigger output unit according to the preset laser processing program. The preload device is used to output a preload signal to the trigger output unit based on the pre-start signal. The trigger output unit is used to output a corresponding laser control signal to the laser when it receives the preload signal and the laser output signal. The laser control signal is used to control the laser to output a laser beam.

2. The laser control board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger output unit includes an analog signal selector with multiple output channels, and the analog signal selector is connected to the main control chip, the preload device and the laser; Each output channel of the analog signal selector is used to receive the preload signal and to activate the corresponding output channel according to the laser output signal, thereby outputting the corresponding laser control signal.

3. The laser control board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preload device is a digital-to-analog converter, which is connected to the main control chip and the trigger output unit. The digital-to-analog converter is used to generate the preload signal according to the pre-start signal, and to output the preload signal to the trigger output unit.

4. The laser control board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control chip includes a microprocessor and a programmable chip. The microprocessor is connected to the programmable chip, and the programmable chip is connected to the preload device and the trigger output unit.

5. A laser control system, characterized in that, The system includes a host computer, a laser, and a laser control board as described in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the host computer and the laser are both connected to the laser control board; the host computer is used to send laser processing programs to the laser control board, and the laser control board is used to control the laser to output a laser beam.

6. The laser control system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The laser control system also includes a beam deflection device, which is connected to the laser control board and positioned in the laser path of the laser beam to adjust the laser path of the laser beam according to different working states.

7. The laser control system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of lasers is two or more, and each laser is connected to the laser control board; the characteristics of different lasers are different.

8. A laser control method, characterized in that, Based on the laser control system described in claim 7, the method includes: Acquire the working status of the laser and the laser processing program of the host computer; The laser power parameters corresponding to the laser control signal are determined based on the laser processing program of the host computer. When the laser's operating state is switched to the start state, a suppression power parameter is determined based on the laser power parameter, and a laser control signal corresponding to the suppression power parameter is output to the laser; the suppression power parameter is less than the laser power parameter.

9. The laser control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Within a preset time after the laser's operating state is switched to the start state, the suppression power parameter is controlled to increase uniformly to the laser power parameter, and a corresponding laser control signal is output to the laser.

10. The laser control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The number of laser pulses in the laser control signal is determined based on the laser processing program of the host computer. The number of interrupt pulses in the laser control signal is determined based on the number of laser pulses. The interrupt pulses are evenly inserted between the laser pulses to generate a heat dissipation laser control signal, and the heat dissipation laser control signal is output to the laser.

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