Laser Scanner Calibration via Overlapping Scan Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating a laser scanner to determine the position of a detection cross-section relative to the scanner are time-consuming and lack accuracy, extending overall processing time in laser processing systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving scanning a laser beam along specific partial paths with detectable light intensities to precisely determine the position of a detection cross-section, using a controller to adjust the scan paths until equal or zero intensity differences are achieved, allowing for accurate calibration of the laser scanner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detector is arranged behind an aperture with a known diameter at a known location to calibrate the laser scanner by scanning the laser beam through the aperture, then the coordinate transformation can be calibrated, but the process requires a significant period of time which extends the overall processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is segmented into multiple measurement positions along the scan path. Instead of determining the position of a single detection cross-section, the method divides the calibration into several discrete positions where the laser beam is scanned along different partial paths. This segmentation allows for more efficient data collection and processing, reducing the overall calibration time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary scanning actions along multiple partial paths before final position determination. By pre-scanning along first and second partial paths and comparing light intensities, the system prepares measurement data in advance, enabling faster convergence to the accurate position of the detection cross-section and reducing total calibration time.
2Measurement precision
If the aperture is arranged at a known location for calibration, then the coordinate transformation can be calibrated, but the determination of the position of the aperture relative to the laser scanner based on detected signals requires significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process maintains continuous useful action by scanning the laser beam along multiple partial paths without interruption. The method continuously compares light intensities from different scan positions and uses this continuous data stream to rapidly determine the detection cross-section position, eliminating idle time between measurements and accelerating the calibration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs excessive scanning actions by scanning along multiple partial paths beyond what a single-point measurement would require. This excessive action of scanning along first and second partial paths provides redundant measurement data that can be processed more efficiently, reducing the time required for accurate position determination despite the additional scan paths.
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 approach significantly reduces the time required for calibration and enhances accuracy, enabling faster and more precise determination of the detection cross-section's position, thereby improving the efficiency of laser processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
detecting of light intensities induced by laser light incident on a detection cross-section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A method of operating a laser scanner comprises scanning a laser beam, using the laser scanner, along a scan path (223, 227, 225, 228) and detecting light intensities caused by laser light of the laser beam incident on a detection cross-section (213); and determining a position of the detection cross-section relative to the laser scanner based on the detected light intensities; wherein the scan path comprises, in a plane which includes the detection cross-section, a first partial path (223) and a second partial path (225) which extend adjacent to each other and at a distance (d)from each other which is smaller than a diameter of the detection cross-section (213) plus a diameter of the laser beam (17) in the plane which includes the detection cross-section and which is greater than 0.3 times the diameter of the laser beam in the plane which includes the detection cross-section or greater than 0.3 times the diameter of the detection cross-section.