Augmented Reality Laser Beam Visualization for Robot Teaching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In remote laser processing, finding the precise irradiation position for a processing laser beam is challenging, leading to reduced efficiency and accuracy, and existing solutions either complicate the laser irradiation device or pose safety risks due to the use of pilot lasers or actual welding beams.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing robot system that uses an augmented reality image processing unit to superimpose a virtual laser beam and its irradiation position onto a real-time actual image, allowing operators to safely and easily visualize the processing laser beam without actual emission, using a robot control device, imaging device, and display device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pilot laser mechanism is added to the laser irradiation device to make the irradiation position visible, then the irradiation position can be easily found, but the device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the laser beam and displays them on a monitor, creating a visual copy of the invisible infrared laser beam. This allows operators to see the irradiation position without adding physical mechanisms to the laser device itself, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera and display system as an intermediary between the laser irradiation device and the operator. Instead of modifying the laser device to emit visible light, the system mediates the visualization process by capturing and displaying the infrared beam's position, thus avoiding device complexity while improving ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If a pilot laser is used to make the irradiation position visible, then the irradiation position can be easily found, but the laser irradiation device has a redundant configuration and increased cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy of the infrared laser beam through camera capture and display, eliminating the need for a separate pilot laser mechanism. This copying approach avoids redundant configuration while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The camera and display system serves multiple functions: it visualizes the laser beam position for teaching operations, monitors the actual irradiation position during processing, and provides a cost-effective alternative to dedicated pilot laser hardware, thus reducing redundant configuration
3Measurement precision
If the actual welding laser beam is used for position detection, then the irradiation position can be detected, but there is a risk of human body damage including retina damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the laser beam and displays them on a monitor, creating a visual copy of the invisible infrared laser beam. This allows operators to see the irradiation position without adding physical mechanisms to the laser device itself, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera and display system as an intermediary between the laser irradiation device and the operator. Instead of modifying the laser device to emit visible light, the system mediates the visualization process by capturing and displaying the infrared beam's position, thus avoiding device complexity while improving ease of operation
4Length of moving object
If remote laser processing is performed with a spaced workpiece, then the processing can be performed at a distance, but it becomes difficult to find the irradiation position and teaching efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the laser beam and displays them on a monitor, creating a visual copy of the invisible infrared laser beam. This allows operators to see the irradiation position without adding physical mechanisms to the laser device itself, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera and display system as an intermediary between the laser irradiation device and the operator. Instead of modifying the laser device to emit visible light, the system mediates the visualization process by capturing and displaying the infrared beam's position, thus avoiding device complexity while improving ease of operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and efficient teaching of laser processing operations by virtually displaying the laser beam and its position, eliminating the need for pilot lasers and reducing safety risks, while maintaining processing accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device for capturing an actual image including the robot
Implementation Method 2
a virtual image representing at least one of a laser beam obtained by assuming that the laser beam is emitted from the laser irradiation device to the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing robot system, in which an augmented reality processing technology is used to enable a processing laser beam and its irradiation position to be safely and easily seen, is provided. A laser processing robot system includes an image processing device having an augmented reality image processing unit for performing augmented reality image processing for an actual image including an image of a robot captured by an imaging device. The augmented reality image processing unit is adapted to superimpose a virtual image representing at least one of a laser beam obtained by assuming that the laser beam is emitted from a laser irradiation device to a workpiece, and an irradiation position of the laser beam, onto the actual image, and to display the superimposed image on the display device.