SLM Engraving Brush Planning for Large Surface Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) systems are limited in their ability to form desired patterns on surfaces larger than the width that can be handled by a single spatial light modulation element in a single pass, and they struggle to efficiently fill determined surfaces with engravings.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to generate engraving instructions for a system comprising a Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) to represent a pixelized image on a solid piece using an adjustable number of focal spots aligned on an orientation axis, forming a brush. The method involves uploading the pixelized image and relevant parameters, rotating and re-pixelizing the image, determining start and end positions for linear segments, and generating computer-generated holograms to control the engraving process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single spatial light modulation element is used to form patterns, then the system is simple and easy to control, but the pattern size is limited to the width of the modulation element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a large surface into multiple smaller delimited surfaces, each of which can be processed by a single spatial light modulation element. This segmentation allows the system to handle large areas by processing multiple smaller regions sequentially, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple system control and achieving large pattern sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of time by processing multiple delimited surfaces in sequence rather than simultaneously. The engraving instructions include positioning commands that move the system between different regions, transforming a spatial limitation into a temporal solution where large areas are covered through sequential processing.
2Loss of time
If the surface is processed in a single pass, then the processing time is short, but the surface cannot be fully covered when it exceeds the modulation element width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by dividing the surface into delimited regions and pre-calculating engraving instructions for each region before actual processing. This preparation enables efficient sequential processing without requiring complex real-time adjustments, minimizing time loss while achieving complete surface coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by optimizing the sequence of processing multiple delimited surfaces and minimizing idle time between transitions. The system maintains productive operation throughout the multi-pass process by carefully coordinating positioning movements with engraving operations.
3Productivity
If multiple brushes of different widths are used to fill the surface, then the surface filling efficiency is improved, but the complexity of determining start and end positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic brush selection where the brush width is adapted to the specific characteristics of each delimited surface and its appearance. The system dynamically determines which brush width to use based on the surface properties, optimizing filling efficiency while managing complexity through rule-based selection rather than exhaustive optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of brush width to optimize surface filling for different appearances and surface characteristics. By varying this parameter systematically based on predefined rules and surface properties, the system achieves high filling efficiency without requiring complex real-time calculations.
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 method enables the formation of desired patterns on surfaces larger than the width of a single spatial light modulation element, efficiently filling determined surfaces with engravings while optimizing the engraving process.
Implementation Method 1
the engraving beam being formed by an adjustable number of focal spots aligned on an orientation axis, thereby defining a brush, and being generated by means of a laser and the SLM
Implementation Method 2
generating a computer-generated hologram for each available width of available brushes used with the first angle of orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for obtaining engraving instructions to control a system comprising a Spatial Light Modulator (SLM), the engraving instructions being configured to control the system to represent a pixelized image on a solid piece by means of an engraving beam. The engraving beam is formed by an adjustable number of focal spots aligned on an orientation axis, thereby defining a brush, and is generated by means of a laser and the SLM. The pixelized image comprises at least a first delimited surface to which is attributed a first appearance, the first appearance corresponding to a set of a first angle of orientation of the brush and a first period corresponding to a distance separating one focal spot from a next focal spot in the brush, the first delimited surface to be filled with engraved structures arranged as first linear segments by means of the engraving beam, the first linear segments being perpendicular to the first orientation of the brush. The method comprises uploading of the pixelized image of the first delimited surface into a memory of the system; uploading a table of appearances comprising at least for the first appearance a set with the first angle of orientation and the first period; uploading parameters for available brush widths at least for the first appearance, the parameters comprising a list of at least one brush with a determined number of focal spots. The method further comprises rotating the first delimited surface as a function of an angle of rotation corresponding to the first angle of orientation; re-pixelization of the rotated first delimited surface; determining of a start position and an end position of each of the linear segments in order to sweep the rotated first delimited surface with the brush having the widest possible width in successive and adjacent stripes; determining of a first remaining surface not yet swept of the rotated first delimited surface and repeating the step of determining of a start position and an end position of the linear segments having a smaller width corresponding to an available brush that is smaller than the previously used brush; generating a computer-generated hologram for each available width of available brushes used with the first angle of orientation; and sending engraving instructions to a further memory of the system.