1. Preface

This guide provides clear instructions on how to import calibration files, calibrate the Movable Camera, and use the Movable Camera for the Nova Pro series machines in LaserMaker software. By following these steps, you can ensure the proper functioning and accuracy of the camera system.

2. How to import the calibration file

If the machine comes with a Movable Camera pre-installed, the U disk will usually contain calibration files pre-calibrated before shipment. However, if you purchased and installed the Movable Camera yourself, the U disk will not contain LaserMaker software's calibration files. Please skip to the next chapter and follow the steps to calibrate it yourself.

Specific steps

2.1 To import the camera calibration file, we first need to follow the steps shown in the figure below to find the 'External import' entry.

2.2 Next, find the U disk in the Key bag and connect it to your computer.

2.3 Finally, locate the calibration file in the following path and import it.

Note: This calibration file typically contains calibrations for both the Top camera and the Movable camera.

3. How to calibrate the Movable Camera

If the camera on your machine has been calibrated at the factory and the calibration file has been saved on the U disk, skip this camera calibration process unless necessary.

Video quickly

Tip 1: If you find any deviation in visual positioning accuracy during use, it is recommended to recalibrate the camera. Movable Camera calibration takes approximately 5 minutes. Here is a video for your reference:

Tip 2: When calibrating and using the visual positioning function, pay attention to the focus of the material, and also ensure that the installation height of the laser head remains consistent (use the rubber ring on the lens barrel to ensure consistent height before and after). Otherwise, inaccurate focus of the camera lens will also affect the accuracy.Here is a article for your reference.

Specific steps

3.1 Connect the machine.

Use the PC-USB cable to connect the machine and the computer. It should be noted that to use the camera function, the device currently only supports connection to a computer via PC-USB cable.

For instructions on how to connect the machine to a computer using a PC-USB cable, please refer to this link: NOVA PRO Connection Method

3.2 Make sure that your machine is successfully connected to your computer.

3.3 Next, go to Settings >> Camera >> Camera-Movable >> Preview>>Calibration Wizard >>Movable Camera.

3.4 After that, choose 'Detect Calibrate Board'.

3.5 Then, click the 'Movable Camera Calibration Board' button and print the template on A4 paper.

3.6 Place the printed A4 paper within the camera's preview range, align it with the center point, and first click 'Focus' then click 'Calibrate' to finish the calibration.

Ensure the progress bar reaches 100%, then click "Next".

3.7 Remove the laser head to a blank area (of any material). After completing autofocus and frame, close the cover, then click the 'Start Processing' button and mark the corresponding cross. Once marking is complete, you can move on to the next step.

3.8 Move the movable camera above the cut mark, click the center of the mark on the material in the left preview to align it with the red crosshair center, then click 'Offset Correction' to complete the movable camera calibration.

3.9 Finally, export the calibration file to save the calibration parameters. It is necessary to save and back up camera calibration files created for different devices under different software versions. If the calibration of the Top Camera has not been done yet, please proceed from here (with the movable camera calibration file imported); vice versa, so that the calibration file will contain both cameras needed. Additionally, if you connect several machines from the same computer and software, after switching to a different machine, you may need to re-import the camera calibration file for that specific machine.

4. How to use the Movable Camera

Specific steps

4.1 Camera Calibration and File Preparation.

First and foremost, it is essential to ensure that your camera is either calibrated or that the calibration file has been successfully imported. This step is fundamental to the accuracy of subsequent operations.

Note: Mark point recognition and positioning of the Movable camera requires the assistance of the Top camera, so please ensure that the Top camera has also been calibrated. Here is a article for your reference: Complete Guide to Calibration and Use of NOVA PRO Series Top Camera

4.2 Pattern Placement and File Import.

Next, place the target pattern on the work platform. Following this, import the corresponding file into the software.

Note:

1. To improve marker recognition reliability, we recommend using four-point marker recognition for both the printed material and the corresponding design file.

2. It is recommended to design Mark point to have a diameter of 10mm. If the diameter is less than 6mm, it may not be recognized well due to the limited camera resolution.

3. Please ensure that the printed image and the design drawing are the same size. Specifically, try to ensure that the size and proportion of the printed image are consistent with the image in the file, and that there is no scaling. Otherwise, the mark point may be misidentified or not recognized at all.

After completing the above steps, set the mark point.

Note: Before starting work, the correct processing parameters must be set and autofocus must be completed.

4.3 After completing the aforementioned steps, click on the 'Full preview' option to obtain real-time images. Subsequently, click the 'Send' button to transmit the relevant data.

4.4 In the template settings step of mark point processing, first, select the corresponding type in 'Mark Type' of 'Mark Point Parameters' on the right according to the mark point type of the material, set the mark point size.

4.6 According to the Mark template shown, click the Mark points one by one in the left preview following the red order. If there are multiple Mark groups, the processing order is from left to right and from top to bottom. Please select the first Mark group in the upper-left as the template.

4.7 After marking, click 'Next step'. The machine will then control the camera to capture the marked points. If the data acquisition progress shows that it is complete, click 'Next step' again.

4.8 In the processing settings step, configure the pattern interval (X, Y) as well as the number of rows and columns according to your specific needs. After making these adjustments, click 'Next step'. If there are multiple Mark groups, the Horizontal and Vertical spacing means the distance between the mark groups from center to center. 

4.9 When parameters are set, drag the blue frame on the left to adjust the detection and processing position, click 'Start' to begin processing.

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