Polarization Seam Tracking for Low-Contrast Laser Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for seam tracking during laser material processing face challenges with optically difficult materials, such as matte or dark surfaces, which result in poor and low-contrast images, requiring multiple cameras and optical filters, and struggling to maintain reliable seam tracking.
Innovation Solution
The use of at least two separate illumination elements emitting differently polarized light, with a polarization camera arranged coaxially to the laser beam, allowing for improved image evaluation by capturing and analyzing the polarization properties of reflected light, even with low-contrast materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical imaging is used for seam tracking, then the system structure is simple, but image contrast is poor when processing optically difficult materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter of light by introducing polarization properties. By using polarized light illumination and a polarization camera, the system captures polarization information that creates enhanced contrast for optically difficult materials, transforming the imaging approach from conventional intensity-based to polarization-based detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple illumination elements with different polarization states to create a composite illumination system. This composite approach uses at least two separate illumination elements emitting differently polarized light, allowing the system to capture complementary polarization information that improves overall image contrast and material recognition
2Reliability
If multiple cameras and optical filters are used to improve seam tracking reliability, then measurement reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization camera serves multiple functions simultaneously: it captures intensity information, polarization angle information, and polarization state information in a single imaging system. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate cameras and optical filters, achieving reliable seam tracking while simplifying the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the polarization dimension to conventional optical imaging. By capturing polarization information in addition to intensity information, the system creates a more informative image representation that improves seam tracking reliability without requiring multiple cameras, effectively adding a new dimension of information capture
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 enables reliable seam tracking with enhanced contrast and recognition capabilities, using polarized light sources and filters to determine polarization properties, reducing the need for multiple cameras and filters, and improving image evaluation with polarized light.
Implementation Method 1
at least two separate illumination elements, each emitting differently polarized light
Implementation Method 2
a polarization camera
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for detecting edges or for seam tracking when machining workpieces by means of a laser beam, e.g. joining or cutting. The present invention provides an apparatus for seam tracking of the process in the laser material processing, comprising at least two separate illumination elements, each emitting differently polarized light and a polarization camera.