Laser Viewing System Continuous Image Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for viewing areas during laser material processing are plagued by jerky and unclear images due to the use of optical shutters, which cause eye strain and fatigue as they alternate between processing area images and blank screens during laser emission.
Innovation Solution
A viewing system that acquires images during pause periods between laser emissions and displays the last acquired image during obscuring periods, ensuring continuous visibility of the processing area without blank screens, using inclined reflective surfaces to divert laser radiation and a processing unit to manage image acquisition and display signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an optical shutter is used to mask light emission during laser processing, then eye safety is improved, but image continuity deteriorates causing jerky and unclear images
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful light emission is extracted and separated from the viewing path by using a specific wavelength band (laser wavelength) that is blocked by the shutter, while allowing other wavelengths to pass through for continuous imaging during pause periods
Solution Approach 2:
Images are acquired and stored in memory during pause periods before the laser emits, so that when the shutter closes during laser emission, the previously acquired image can be displayed continuously without interruption
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter closes during laser emission to protect eyes, then harmful light exposure is reduced, but viewing clarity worsens due to blank images
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly viewing the processing area during laser emission, a copy of the image acquired during the pause period is displayed, maintaining visual information continuity without exposing the operator to harmful light
Solution Approach 2:
A memory device acts as an intermediary to store and retrieve images, allowing the display to show continuous images during laser emission when the shutter is closed, thus mediating between the shutter's protective function and the need for continuous visual feedback
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 solution reduces eye strain and improves physical health by maintaining a clear and continuous view of the processing area, eliminating the jerky image effect and associated fatigue, while being relatively easy to implement and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inclined reflective surface (7) interposed between said processing area (2) and said acquisition means (6) and configured for diverting light (13) coming from said processing area (2) towards said acquisition means (6)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
Described is a system (1) for viewing an area (2) for processing materials using laser apparatuses, comprising acquisition means (6) configured for acquiring one image at a time of the processing area (2) and for generating an acquisition signal (8) containing the data relating to each image acquired. The system (1) comprises a screen (9) for viewing the images acquired connected to the acquisition means (6) and configured to receive the acquisition signal (8) and to make visible to the users the images contained therein. More specifically, the system (1) is configured for displaying on the display screen (9) the last image acquired in a pause period (TP) from the laser emission and to keep displayed on the screen the last image acquired during the subsequent obscuring period (TSTOP).