OCT Workpiece Pose Detection for Automated Laser Path Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the pose of a workpiece in a coordinate system for laser processing are time-consuming and require manual teaching, limiting efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The method employs an optical coherence tomograph (OCT) to automate the detection of the workpiece pose by guiding an OCT measurement beam from a processing head, allowing for automated scanning and determination of the workpiece's position and orientation, enabling automated path programming and processing without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual teaching is used to determine workpiece pose, then the workpiece position and orientation can be ascertained, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical teaching process with an automated optical measurement system. An OCT (optical coherence tomography) measurement beam is used to automatically scan the workpiece and determine its pose, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece itself provides the measurement information needed for pose detection through its interaction with the OCT measurement beam. The system uses the workpiece's own geometric features as reference elements, allowing the workpiece to effectively 'teach' its own position and orientation without external manual input.
2Ease of operation
If manual teaching is used to program robot paths, then the processing path can be determined, but the process is complex and requires skilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual path programming operations with automated optical measurement and computation. The OCT system automatically captures workpiece geometry and enables computational determination of processing paths, eliminating the need for skilled operators to manually program robot movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the workpiece geometry through OCT scanning. This digital representation is then used for path programming and processing planning, eliminating the need for physical manual teaching operations and reducing operational complexity.
3Extent of automation
If light section sensors are used for pose detection, then automated measurement is possible, but the system requires complex movement devices and search passes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical light section sensors with an optical coherence tomography measurement system. The OCT measurement beam provides automated pose detection capabilities without requiring complex mechanical movement devices or search pass procedures, as it can directly scan and measure workpiece geometry.
4Reliability
If teach points are used for laser robot control, then the processing path can be programmed, but the process is particularly time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a complete digital copy of the workpiece surface geometry through OCT scanning. This digital model enables direct computational determination of processing paths without requiring manual teaching at multiple discrete points, dramatically reducing programming time while maintaining path accuracy through precise optical measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The OCT scanning and workpiece measurement is performed in advance to create a digital model. This preliminary action enables all subsequent path programming and processing planning to be done computationally without time-consuming manual intervention during actual processing setup.
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 reduces the time and risk associated with manual teaching, facilitates offline programming, and simplifies the construction of processing machines by allowing for precise and repeatable workpiece pose detection, enhancing processing efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an OCT measurement beam of an optical coherence tomograph is guided using a processing head so as to scan the workpiece. Distance measurement values of the optical coherence tomograph are determined during the scanning
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing a workpiece includes the steps of arranging the workpiece in a work space and guiding an OCT measurement beam of an optical coherence tomograph using a processing head so as to scan the workpiece, wherein the pose of the processing head in the work space and also the pose of the OCT measurement beam relative to the processing head are known. Distance measurement values of the optical coherence tomograph are determined during the scanning, which are used to determine at least one of the pose of the workpiece in the workspace, the presence of a workpiece in the workspace, the identity of the workpiece in the workspace, and the presence of a processing feature of the workpiece that was carried out on the workpiece in a previous processing step.