Laser Scan Optics Layout for Real-Time Workpiece Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser processing apparatuses face challenges in accurately monitoring the processing state of a workpiece in real time due to increased overall volume and distortion issues caused by the installation of vision cameras on galvanometer scanners or stages.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing apparatus is designed with an image acquisition unit that acquires images of the workpiece through an F-θ lens, positioned to avoid crossing the traveling path of the laser beam, allowing for expanded image areas and more accurate monitoring with a simpler structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a vision camera is installed on one side of a galvanometer scanner or on one side of a stage supporting a workpiece, then the processing state of the workpiece can be monitored, but the overall volume of the apparatus increases and distortion occurs in the captured images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image acquisition unit with the existing F-θ lens optical path, merging the monitoring function into the existing laser processing structure. The image acquisition unit shares the F-θ lens with the laser beam path, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures on the galvanometer scanner or stage, thus avoiding volume increase while enabling accurate processing state monitoring
2Measurement precision
If a vision camera is installed on one side of a galvanometer scanner or on one side of a stage supporting a workpiece, then the processing state of the workpiece can be monitored, but distortion occurs in the captured images
Solution Approach 1:
The image acquisition unit is merged with the F-θ lens optical path that is already optimized for the workpiece processing area. By using the same F-θ lens for both laser beam delivery and image acquisition, the system leverages the existing optical calibration and positioning accuracy, eliminating distortion issues that would arise from separate mounting locations
Solution Approach 2:
The F-θ lens acts as an intermediary optical element that serves dual purposes: delivering the laser beam to the workpiece and transmitting light from the workpiece to the image acquisition unit. This intermediary role allows the image acquisition unit to capture accurate images without being directly mounted on the galvanometer scanner or stage, thus avoiding the distortion problems associated with those mounting locations
3Measurement precision
If a vision camera is disposed between a beam expander and a scan head to capture a marking image reflected by X, Y galvano mirrors, then marking position and quality can be determined, but only a very small area of the entire marking area can be acquired
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of capturing reflected light from the galvanometer mirrors as in conventional systems, the patent inverts the approach by directly imaging the workpiece through the F-θ lens. This inversion of the optical path allows the image acquisition unit to capture the entire workpiece area directly without being limited by the small field of view through the galvanometer mirrors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional reflected image capture through galvanometer mirrors to a two-dimensional direct imaging approach through the F-θ lens. By changing the dimensional approach to image acquisition, the system can capture the entire marking area simultaneously rather than being constrained to a small reflected view
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
This configuration enables more accurate real-time monitoring of the workpiece processing state with a simpler apparatus structure, overcoming the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an F-θ lens configured to radiate the laser beam deflected by the pair of galvano mirrors toward the workpiece
Implementation Method 2
an image acquisition unit configured to acquire an image of the workpiece through light incident from the workpiece through the F-θ lens
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a laser processing apparatus. The laser processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes: a laser oscillator configured to output a laser beam; a pair of galvano mirrors configured to deflect the laser beam output from the laser oscillator according to processing data for a workpiece; an F-θ lens configured to radiate the laser beam deflected by the pair of galvano mirrors toward the workpiece; and an image acquisition unit configured to acquire an image of the workpiece through light incident from the workpiece through the F-θ lens, wherein the image acquisition unit is disposed in a traveling path of the light incident from the workpiece through the f-θ lens and is disposed so as not to cross a traveling path of the laser beam radiated from the laser oscillator to the pair of galvano mirrors.