Event-Based Camera Illumination for Laser Splash Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Event-based cameras struggle to effectively detect splashes and ejections in laser machining processes due to low sensitivity at low object brightness, leading to the machined workpiece being misidentified as an event.
Innovation Solution
An event-based camera is enhanced with an illumination device to shift its sensitivity range by illuminating the camera chip homogeneously, improving the recognition of splashes and ejections through increased basic illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the event-based camera operates without additional illumination, then it maintains high temporal resolution and low latency, but it suffers from low sensitivity at low object brightness causing the machined workpiece to be misidentified as an event
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device provides preliminary illumination to the camera chip before the actual detection process, ensuring that the baseline brightness level is sufficient to prevent false detections of the workpiece while maintaining the event-based camera's ability to detect actual splashes and ejections
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device changes the brightness parameter of the camera chip to an optimal level, shifting the sensitivity range of the event-based camera so that it can distinguish between actual events (splashes/ejections) and the stationary workpiece
2Measurement precision
If the illumination device illuminates the camera chip, then the sensitivity range of the event-based camera is shifted improving splash recognition, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is integrated into the objective structure of the event-based camera, merging two functional components (illumination and imaging) into a single unified structure, thereby improving splash recognition while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The objective serves dual functions: both imaging the object and housing the illumination device, making the structure multi-functional and reducing overall device complexity while achieving improved sensitivity range
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
The enhanced event-based camera achieves improved detection of splashes and ejections in laser machining processes, enhancing quality assurance and minimizing waste by preventing the production of defective parts.
Implementation Method 1
the illumination device is configured to illuminate the camera chip with light
Implementation Method 2
an objective for imaging an object in a detection range of the event-based camera onto the camera chip
Data Source
AI summary
An event-based camera for generating sensor data, in particular for a laser beam machining system. The event-based camera includes a camera chip and an objective for imaging an object in a detection range of the event-based camera onto the camera chip. The event-based camera includes an illumination device. The illumination device is configured to illuminate the camera chip with light. A laser beam machining system including the event-based camera for monitoring a laser beam machining process and the use of the event-based camera for monitoring a laser beam machining process, in particular for monitoring a laser beam welding process, are also described.