Laser Recording Device Calibration for Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recording devices face accuracy issues when the characteristics of the laser element deviate from the designed values during repeated recording processes, leading to inaccurate performance.

Innovation Solution

A recording device comprising a laser element, a light reception element, a moving mechanism, and a control unit that performs a calibration process to adjust the laser element's output based on detection values from the light reception element, ensuring accurate irradiation of the recording target object while minimizing damage to the light path components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If recording is repeatedly performed using a laser element, then productivity increases, but the laser element characteristics deviate from designed values leading to reduced manufacturing precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording throughputVSAvoidrecording accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary calibration process before actual recording to detect and correct laser element characteristic deviations. The control unit controls the laser element to irradiate the light reception element and acquires detection values to calculate correction values, ensuring that even with repeated use and characteristic changes, the recording precision is maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the light reception element continuously monitors the laser light output, and the control unit uses this feedback to calculate and apply correction values to the drive signal, compensating for laser element characteristic deviations that occur during repeated recording operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If a calibration process is implemented to maintain accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration function is merged with the existing recording system by using the same laser element, light reception element, and control unit for both calibration and recording operations. The light reception element serves dual purposes: monitoring during recording and calibration during the preliminary process, eliminating the need for separate calibration hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light reception element performs multiple functions: it monitors laser light characteristics during normal recording operations and also serves as a calibration target during the preliminary calibration process. The control unit handles both recording control and calibration calculation, reducing the need for dedicated calibration components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the light reception element is positioned to face the laser element for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but the light reception element may be damaged by direct laser irradiation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight detection accuracyVSAvoidlaser damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

During calibration, the system uses a lower power level for the laser element compared to actual recording operations. The control unit controls the laser element to emit light at a reduced intensity that is sufficient for the light reception element to accurately detect and calculate correction values, but not high enough to cause damage to the light reception element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 device ensures accurate recording even when laser element characteristics deviate, reduces damage to light path components, and allows for improved resolution and reduced recording time due to the use of surface emitting lasers and a moving mechanism that adjusts positions without requiring movement of the light reception element.

Implementation Method 1

a laser element configured to emit laser light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser emission: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a light reception element configured to receive the laser light from the laser element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240326466A1Recording device

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A recording device includes a laser element configured to emit laser light, a light reception element, a moving mechanism configured to change a relative position of the laser element and a recording target object and a relative position of the laser element and the light reception element, and a control unit configured to control the laser element and the moving mechanism. The control unit performs a first process of controlling the laser element and the moving mechanism to irradiate the light reception element with laser light in a state where the laser element and the light reception element face each other, and a second process of controlling the laser element and the moving mechanism to irradiate the recording target object with laser light based on a detection value of the light reception element in a state where the laser element and the recording target object face each other.