Programmable light source

Abstract

The application discloses a programmable light source, and belongs to the technical field of machine vision, which is used for improving flexibility and expansibility of the programmable light source. The programmable light source comprises a plurality of programmable units, the programmable unit comprises a control unit and a light source unit, the control units of the plurality of programmable units are connected, the control unit and the light source unit of the programmable unit are connected, the control unit comprises at least one control board, and the light source unit comprises at least one light source board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of machine vision technology, specifically relating to a programmable power supply. Background Technology

[0002] A programmable light source is a light source device that can precisely control the output light parameters through program instructions, digital signals, or external control systems (such as computers, microcontrollers, etc.). It can not only realize the basic function of emitting light, but also flexibly adjust key characteristics such as light intensity, wavelength, modulation frequency, and pulse width through digital control to meet the precise needs of light signals in different scenarios.

[0003] Current programmable light sources typically integrate a large number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) onto a single circuit board. Such programmable light sources have a fixed size and lack scalability and flexibility, failing to meet the different product requirements for programmable power supplies of varying sizes. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a programmable light source that can solve the problem that programmable light sources cannot meet the needs of different products for programmable light sources of different sizes.

[0005] This application provides a programmable light source, which includes: multiple programmable units, each programmable unit including a control unit and a light source unit, the control units of the multiple programmable units being connected; the control units of the programmable units and the light source units being connected, the control unit including at least one control board, and the light source unit including at least one light source board.

[0006] In this embodiment, the programmable light source includes: multiple programmable units, each including a control unit and a light source unit, with the control units of the multiple programmable units connected together; the control units of the programmable units and the light source units are connected together, each control unit including at least one control board, and each light source unit including at least one light source board. The control unit and the connected light source units form a modular, unitized programmable unit. The light source units of the multiple programmable units can be arbitrarily assembled into a programmable light source of the required size according to product needs, greatly shortening the customization time and improving the flexibility, applicability, and scalability of the programmable light source. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a programmable light source provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another programmable light source provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another programmable light source provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0009] Figure label: Programmable light source-10, programmable control unit-101, control unit-20, control board-210, control subunit-201, drive subunit-202, peripheral subunit-203, power supply unit-204, light source unit-30, light source board-301, power supply main line-40. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0011] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0012] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, details a programmable light source provided in this application through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0013] The programmable light source in this application embodiment can be applied to 2.5D light sources for machine vision inspection. A 2.5D light source can project structured light (such as striped light or grid light) or high-brightness light at a specific angle onto the surface of an object, converting the height differences on the object's surface into brightness differences in a 2D image, and then calculating the relative height information through algorithms. It is mainly used in machine vision inspection scenarios to achieve targeted illumination for different inspection objects, providing a stable and controllable imaging foundation for the machine vision system, enabling the machine vision system to accurately detect features such as the appearance, size, position, and defects of the inspection object.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a programmable light source 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The programmable light source 10 includes: a plurality of programmable control units 101, each programmable control unit 101 including a control unit 20 and a light source unit 30, the control units 20 of the plurality of programmable control units 101 being connected; the control units 20 and the light source units 30 of the programmable control units 101 being connected, the control unit 20 including at least one control board 210, and the light source unit 30 including at least one light source board 301.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, the programmable light source 10 provided in this embodiment includes multiple programmable control units 101, each programmable control unit 101 including a control unit 20 and a light source unit 30. The multiple programmable control units 101 are connected via the control unit 20. In this embodiment, the control unit 20 and the light source unit 30 of the programmable control unit 101 are connected.

[0016] In this embodiment, the control unit 20 may include at least one control board 210, which may also be referred to as a control circuit board. At least one control board 210 can constitute the control unit 20. The control unit 20 is the core management element of the light source unit 30, and can control and drive the connected light source unit 30. The control unit 20 can control the light emission, brightness, color temperature, and flicker characteristics of the light source unit 30, and can set the pattern of the LED light source on the light source unit 30. The light source unit 30 is the light emission unit of the programmable light source 10, and it can emit light according to the control signals and parameters issued by the control unit 20. In this embodiment, multiple programmable control units 101 are connected through the control unit 20, that is, through the control board.

[0017] In this embodiment, the connection method between control units 20 can be set according to product requirements. Multiple control units 20 can be connected by cables, connectors, soldering, etc., and the connection method between multiple control units 20 is not limited here.

[0018] In the embodiments of this application, multiple control units 20 can be connected according to product requirements, such as in series or in parallel. In one embodiment, multiple control units 20 can be connected in series. Figure 1 As shown, multiple control units 20 can be connected in series step by step in a purely hardware manner. This connection method has a simple structure, which helps to reduce system complexity and manufacturing costs, and can ensure that all control units 20 carry the same current, achieving a light source effect with highly uniform brightness. The series connection between multiple control units 20 is just an example; other connection methods are also possible, such as parallel connection, series-parallel combination, etc.

[0019] In this embodiment, the multiple control units 20 can be divided into main control units and secondary control units. For example, the multiple control units 20 may include one main control unit and at least one secondary control unit. The main control unit and secondary control units provided in this embodiment can achieve data interaction and synchronous control through a digital bus and general purpose input / output (GPIO). Similarly, the secondary control units can also achieve data interaction and synchronous control with each other through a digital bus and GPIO.

[0020] In this embodiment, the communication interaction method between the main control unit and the secondary control unit, and between the secondary control units, can be set according to actual needs. In one implementation, the control units 20 can be connected via a daisy-chain topology, meaning the main control unit and the secondary control units can be connected via a daisy-chain topology. A daisy-chain topology can be used for communication between the main control unit and the secondary control units, and between the secondary control units. In this embodiment, the main control unit can receive parameters such as light source parameters and upgrade data from the host computer or the main controller. The main control unit and the secondary control units communicate point-to-point via RS485, passing the parameters from the host computer or the main controller to the secondary control units. Similarly, the secondary control units can also communicate point-to-point via RS485 to forward parameters such as light source parameters and upgrade data. The topology and type of communication between the main control unit and the secondary control units, and between the secondary control units, are only illustrative examples; other topologies, buses, I / O, and digital interfaces can also be used.

[0021] The synchronization signal between the main control unit and the secondary control unit can adopt a daisy-chain topology, with the delay of each stage controlled within nanoseconds (ns). Logic compensation is used to ensure that the light source units 30 connected to each control unit 2010 are synchronously lit. This signal synchronization topology is only an example; other topologies, buses, I / O, and digital interfaces are also possible.

[0022] In this embodiment, the light source unit 30 of the programmable control unit 101 is connected to the control unit 20, and the light source units 30 of different programmable control units 101 are relatively independent and have no direct electrical connection. Each light source unit 30 is driven and controlled by the control unit 20 to which it is connected. In this way, the control unit 20 and its connected light source units 30 are modularized and unitized. Multiple modularized and unitized control units 20 and their connected light source units 30 can be arbitrarily spliced ​​into a programmable light source 10 of the required size according to product requirements.

[0023] In this embodiment, the light source unit 30 may include at least one light source board 301, which is a circuit board integrating an LED light source. The size of each light source board 301 in the light source unit 30 can be set according to actual product requirements, for example, there are light source boards 301 with sizes such as 100mm, 200mm, and 400mm. Different light source units 30 may include light source boards 301 of different sizes and different numbers. In this way, multiple light source boards 301 can be spliced ​​together to form a light source unit 30 of any size. This embodiment also supports splicing light source units 30 of the same size or light source units 30 of different sizes to form a programmable light source 10 of odd or even size.

[0024] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, if the light source unit 30 includes only one light source board 301, then that single light source board 301 can be directly connected to the control unit 20. If the light source unit 30 includes multiple light source boards 301, then each of the multiple light source boards 301 can be directly connected to its corresponding control unit 20, or they can be connected to the corresponding control unit 20 according to design requirements. For example, multiple light source boards 301 can be connected by cables and then connected to the control unit 20. Alternatively, multiple light source boards 301 can be soldered to the control unit 20, or some of the multiple light source boards 301 can be directly connected to their corresponding control units 20, while the remaining light source boards 301 can be connected to the control unit 20 via a single light source board 301 after being connected in series. In this embodiment, the control unit 20 and the light source unit 30 can also be connected by cables, or the control unit 20 and the light source unit 30 can be soldered onto the same circuit board. This embodiment does not limit the number of light source boards 301 in the light source unit 30, or the way the light source unit 30 and the light source boards 301 are connected to the control unit 20.

[0025] As an example, a product requires a programmable light source 10 with a length of 600mm and a width of 300mm. The programmable light source provided in this embodiment of the application provides 9 light source units. Each light source unit can be composed of multiple units or a single light source board, with a length of 200mm and a width of 100mm. These 9 light source units can be spliced ​​into a three-row, three-column programmable light source, with each row including 3 light source units and each column also including 3 light source units. In this way, the total length of the 3 light source units in each row of the programmable light source is 600mm, and the total width of the 3 light source units in each column is 300mm, forming a programmable light source 10 with a length of 600mm and a width of 300mm. Furthermore, the drive control of the light source units can be realized through the control unit connected to each light source unit.

[0026] In this embodiment, each control unit 20 and its connected light source unit 30 adopt a modular and unitized design to form a programmable control unit 101. Multiple modular and unitized control units 20 and their connected light source units 30 can be arbitrarily spliced ​​into a programmable light source 10 of the required size according to product requirements. Different numbers of modular combinations (control units 20 and their connected light source units 30) can be spliced ​​into programmable light sources 10 of different sizes, which greatly shortens the product development or customization time and greatly improves the flexibility, adaptability, expandability and maintainability of product hardware and structure.

[0027] In this embodiment, specific design software can identify the arrangement order of multiple control units 20 and the LED light source type of the light source unit 30, such as size, color and other parameters. The specific design software can then distinguish and load different control methods for different light source units 30, greatly improving the flexibility and maintainability of the product.

[0028] In one embodiment, the control unit 20 includes: a control subunit 201; and a drive subunit 202, the drive subunit 202 being connected to the control subunit 201 and the light source unit 30.

[0029] Figure 3 This paper illustrates a schematic diagram of another programmable light source 10 provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 20 includes a control subunit 201 and a drive subunit 202. The drive subunit 202 is connected to the control subunit 201 and the light source unit 30. The control subunit 201 can receive light source parameters sent by the host computer or main controller, and then the control subunit 201 can send the light source parameters to the drive subunit 202. The drive subunit 202 can drive the light source unit 30 to emit light according to the light source parameters.

[0030] The modularly designed programmable light source 10 achieves independent control of the light source unit 30 connected to the control unit 20 through the control subunit 201 and drive subunit 202 of each control unit 20. This ensures that the light source units 30 connected to different control units 20 are independent of each other and have no electrical connection. In this way, different control methods can be executed on the light source units 30 connected to different control units 20, improving the flexibility, expandability and maintainability of the programmable light source 10.

[0031] In one embodiment, control subunits 201 of multiple control units 20 are connected. For example... Figure 3 As shown in the embodiments of this application, the connection of multiple control units 20 can also be the connection of control subunits 201 on multiple control units 20. The multiple control units 20 of multiple programmable control units 101 are connected through control subunits 201, which can realize communication and interaction between control units 20.

[0032] In one embodiment, the control unit 20 further includes a peripheral subunit 203, which is connected to the control subunit 201. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 20 provided in this embodiment may further include an external subunit 203, which is connected to the control subunit 201. The external subunit 203 may be a module with any other function. For example, the external subunit 203 may be a temperature sensor, through which the ambient temperature can be obtained. Alternatively, the external subunit 203 may be a brightness sensor, through which the ambient brightness can be obtained. The external subunit 203 can expand the functionality of the programmable light source 10, improving its scalability.

[0033] In one embodiment, the control unit 20 further includes an electronics unit 204, which is connected to the control subunit 201, the peripheral subunit 203, the drive subunit 202, and the light source unit 30.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 20 provided in this application embodiment also includes an electronic power supply unit 204, which is connected to the control subunit 201, the peripheral subunit 203 and the drive subunit 202, and can provide power to the control subunit 201, the peripheral subunit 203, the drive subunit 202 and the connected light source unit 30.

[0035] In one embodiment, the programmable light source 10 further includes a main power supply line 40, which is connected to an external power source and the power supply unit 204 of the control unit 20.

[0036] like Figure 3As shown in the embodiment of this application, the power supply topology can adopt a bus-like scheme, that is, the programmable light source 10 also includes a power supply main line 40, which connects the external power supply and the power supply unit 204 of each control unit 20. Each power supply unit 204 draws power from the power supply main line 40 and performs voltage and power conversion within each unit to supply power to the control subunit 201, peripheral subunit 203, drive subunit 202, light source unit 30, etc., corresponding to each control unit 20. The power supply topology here is only an example, and other topologies are also possible.

[0037] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A programmable light source, characterized in that, include: Multiple programmable control units, each programmable control unit including a control unit and a light source unit, wherein the control units of the multiple programmable control units are connected; The control unit of the programmable control unit is connected to the light source unit. The control unit includes at least one control board, and the light source unit includes at least one light source board.

2. The programmable light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of control units include a main control unit and a secondary control unit.

3. The programmable light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control units of the multiple programmable control units are connected in series.

4. The programmable light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control units of the multiple programmable control units are connected via a daisy-chain topology.

5. The programmable light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source board of the light source unit is connected to the corresponding control unit.

6. The programmable light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit includes: Control subunit; A driving subunit, which is connected to the control subunit and the light source unit.

7. The programmable light source according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit further includes: A peripheral subunit, which is connected to the control subunit.

8. The programmable light source according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit further includes: An electronics supply unit is provided, which is connected to the control subunit, the peripheral subunit, the drive subunit, and the light source unit.

9. The programmable light source according to claim 8, characterized in that, The programmable light source also includes: The main power supply line connects the external power source and the power supply unit.

10. The programmable light source according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control units of the multiple programmable control units are connected through the control subunits.

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