Laser Distance Calibration Using an Internal Reference Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser processing apparatuses require a separate jig for calibrating the distance measuring sensor, which is time-consuming and inconvenient, and may suffer from decreased calibration accuracy due to ambient light and surface conditions.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing apparatus with a built-in distance measurement light emitting and receiving section, a reference member, and a triangulation method for measuring distances, eliminating the need for a separate jig and improving calibration accuracy by using a correction optical path with a predetermined reference distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate jig is used for calibrating the distance measuring sensor, then the calibration process can be performed, but it requires additional preparation time and external equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the calibration target directly into the laser processing apparatus housing, merging the calibration function with the main apparatus. This eliminates the need for separate external jigs and reduces calibration time while maintaining measurement precision through the built-in reference target with known positional relationships.
2Measurement precision
If a separate jig is brought in from outside for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but calibration accuracy may decrease due to ambient light and surface conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration target from the external environment and places it within the protected housing of the laser processing apparatus. This isolation removes the calibration process from harmful external factors such as ambient light and variable surface conditions, ensuring consistent and accurate calibration results.
3Measurement precision
If a separate jig is installed on the stage for calibration, then distance measurement calibration can be performed, but the process becomes inconvenient and requires external equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target is integrated into the housing structure of the laser processing apparatus, combining the calibration function with the main device. This eliminates the need for separate external jigs and simplifies the calibration process, making it more convenient and easier to perform.
4Measurement precision
If external jigs are used for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but additional equipment preparation and setup is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the calibration target and calibration functionality directly into the laser processing apparatus housing, merging multiple functions into a single system. This reduces device complexity by eliminating separate external calibration equipment while maintaining calibration precision through the built-in reference target.
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 solution simplifies calibration, enhances accuracy, and reduces labor by integrating the calibration process within the apparatus, allowing for precise distance measurement and correction without external jigs, thus improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
a distance measurement light emitting section which is provided in the housing and emits to the laser light scanning section a first distance measurement light for measuring a distance from the laser processing apparatus to a surface of the workpiece
Implementation Method 2
a distance measurement light receiving section which is provided in the housing and receives any one of the first distance measurement light reflected by the workpiece
Implementation Method 3
a distance measuring section which measures a distance from the laser processing apparatus to the surface of the workpiece by a triangulation method based on a light receiving position of the first distance measurement light in the distance measurement light receiving section
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing apparatus includes a laser light output section, a first scanner and a second scanner, a distance measurement light emitting section, a reference member which is arranged at a position which is the other end of a correction optical path formed with the distance measurement light emitting section as one end of the correction optical path and is arranged such that an optical path length of the correction optical path is a predetermined reference distance, a distance measurement light receiving section which receives distance measurement light reflected by the workpiece or the reference member, a distance measuring section which measures a distance to the workpiece or the reference member, and a distance correcting section which compares a measurement result of the distance to the reference member with the reference distance stored in advance to correct the measurement result obtained by the distance measuring section.