LCD Photocuring 3D Printer Light Homogenization With Grayscale Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printers using single or matrix light sources suffer from uneven light energy distribution due to manufacturing errors and LCD transmission errors, leading to irregular energy distribution and poor printing quality.
Innovation Solution
A light homogenization method for LCD photocuring 3D printers that calculates a target grayscale value by comparing initial pixel values with preset compensation values, controlling the LCD to achieve even exposure without altering its structure, thereby improving printing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light source or matrix light source is used in LCD photocuring 3D printer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light energy distribution becomes uneven due to manufacturing errors and LCD transmission errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dividing the light source into multiple independent light beads arranged in a matrix, where each light bead can be individually controlled and compensated. This allows different regions of the LCD screen to receive appropriately adjusted light energy, correcting the uneven distribution caused by manufacturing errors while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of individual light beads (intensity, position, activation state) to compensate for manufacturing errors and LCD transmission variations. By dynamically adjusting the emission parameters of each light bead, the system achieves uniform light energy distribution across the curing plane without increasing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing accuracy of optical devices is improved to reduce light energy deviation, then the light energy distribution becomes more uniform, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing compensation values for each light bead based on measured manufacturing errors and LCD transmission characteristics. During operation, these pre-computed compensation parameters are applied automatically, eliminating the need for high manufacturing accuracy while achieving uniform light energy distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the actual light energy distribution is measured and used to adjust the compensation parameters of individual light beads. This closed-loop control system compensates for manufacturing variations without requiring extremely high initial manufacturing precision, thereby reducing device complexity requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If the LCD structure is modified to achieve light homogenization, then the light energy distribution becomes uniform, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light beads as intermediary elements between the light source and the LCD screen. These light beads act as mediators that can be independently controlled to compensate for LCD transmission non-uniformity, achieving light homogenization without modifying the LCD structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the LCD's non-uniform transmission characteristics and uses this copy to generate compensation patterns. By mapping the measured transmission errors to corresponding light bead compensation values, the system achieves light homogenization through software algorithms rather than hardware modifications to the LCD.
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 method achieves uniform light energy distribution and enhances 3D printing accuracy by reducing the need for precise light source requirements.
Implementation Method 1
there is a deviation in the magnitude of light energy in a curing plane. For example, the energy at the middle of the LCD screen can be high
Implementation Method 2
controlling the LCD to perform, based on the target grayscale value, photocuring printing for the image data to be printed
Data Source
AI summary
A light homogenization method for an LCD photocuring 3D printer, including: obtaining the initial grayscale value of a pixel in image data to be printed; obtaining a preset light homogenization compensation value, and calculating the difference between the preset light homogenization compensation value and the initial grayscale value, to obtain a target grayscale value; and controlling the LCD to perform, according to the target grayscale value, photocuring printing on the image data to be printed. The method can solve the problem of uneven exposure in photocuring 3D printing in the prior art, and improve the printing quality. A light homogenization apparatus for an LCD photocuring 3D printer, and a printer are correspondingly provided.