Monitoring and controlling of laser operation

• US 20060113375A1
• Filed: 11/29/2005
• Published: 06/01/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/16/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The GSI Group Inc
• Original Assignee: The GSI Group Inc
• Inventors: Caiger, Simon George
• Granted Patent: US 7,331,512 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/376
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 26/032 using optical means

Abstract

A laser monitoring and controlling apparatus is disclosed that includes a laser, a data server and a laser Graphical User Interface (GUI). In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes, an imaging means and means for displaying images from the imaging means on the GUI.

Claims

1. Laser monitoring and controlling apparatus including a laser, a data server and a laser Graphical User Interface (GUI).

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data server includes a COM (Component Object Model) interface or DCOM interface.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a laser operating module, and an ActiveX component serving as the data server.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one further data application.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data server application is installed on a single computer or separate computers or platforms.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further including an additional controller connected to the laser by a digital interface.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data server mad laser GUI are provided on one platform and one or more further applications, COM enabled applications or other applications, are provided on a second computer or platform.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the computers or platforms are connected over a local area network, wide area network, or internet.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein internet protocol or TCP/IP communication is used.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface is displayed to a user on a suitable display means or run in the background.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an imaging means and means for displaying images from the imaging means on the GUI.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the imaging means is arranged to provide images of a workpiece operated on by a laser beam emitted from the laser.

13. A laser monitoring or controlling apparatus comprising a laser, a laser controller or monitoring means, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for monitoring and/or controlling laser operation, an imaging means and means for displaying images from the imaging means on the GUI.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein a single display displays the GUI with, as required, the image displayed.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the imaging means is a video or still camera mounted so as to view the workpiece as it is being operated on by a laser beam from the laser.