1. Preface

Camera calibration ensures precise design alignment for the machine. This guide walks you through the process to boost accuracy and output quality.

This article provides a guide to camera calibration and usage for LaserMaker software. If you are using Lightburn software, and you are using version 2.1, please refer to this link: Version 2.1

If you are using version 2.0, please refer to this link: Version 2.0

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 calibration files of LaserMaker software, but only top camera calibration file for Lightburn software. 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 after connecting the software with the machine.

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.

3.How to calibrate the Top 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, and please refer to the steps in the previous chapter to import the camera calibration file.

Tip 1: If you find any deviation in visual positioning accuracy during use, it is recommended to recalibrate the camera. Top Camera calibration takes approximately 10 minutes. Here is a video for your reference:

Note: this video was shot on the Nova Plus, and the operation process is basically the same as the NOVA PRO top-cover camera calibration, except that the Nova Pro's large working area will not obstruct the view, allowing for full-area calibration

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 Please place the plywood on the platform and ensure it is flat and secure (you can use clamps, double-sided tape, or other suitable methods based on your actual equipment). Then, move the laser head to the machine zero. You can refer to this picture for the positions of the plywood and the laser head.

3.4 After moving the laser head to the position of the picture above, please click the Origin button on the touch panel. Then, use the auto focus function on the touch panel to focus.

3.5 Next, go to Settings >> Camera >> Camera-Top>>Preview>>Calibration Wizard >>Top Camera.

3.6 After that, select ’Standard Lens’.

3.7 Next, place a wooden board, move the laser head to the upper left corner. select‘Custom Working Area’, enter the starting coordinates and machine working area, click "Upload" to upload the calibration file.

Reference dimensions:

NOVA PRO 35: 900*600mm

NOVA PRO 51 : 1300*900mm

NOVA PRO 63: 1600*1000mm

3.8 Close the cover and click the ‘Start’ button on the machine.

3.9 After finishing the engraving, click 'Next step' and open the cover. The Nova Pro's top camera is mounted on the top of the cover, requiring the cover to be opened to capture a view of the working area.

3.10 During processing, click the "Photo" button to capture the image of the left cross marks, then zoom and pan the photo to accurately locate the center of each cross.

Note: Be sure to mark the crosses in the order from left to right and from top to bottom.

3.11 After marking, please confirm that the mark on the right is 54, then click 'Ok' to complete the calibration.

3.12 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. Additionally, if you connect several machines from the same computer and software, after switching to different machine, you may need to re-import the camera calibration file for that specific machine.

4. How to use the camera

Specific steps

4.1 First, ensure that your camera is calibrated or that the calibration file has been imported.

4.2 Next, click ‘Camera’ and place the target pattern on the work platform, select ‘Full preview’ to get real-time images.

4.3 After that, click 'Extraction' to capture your desired image;

4.4 Hold down the mouse button and select the area where you want to extract the pattern. Adjust the values on the right to ensure the pattern is completely covered. After extraction is complete, click 'Extract' to confirm. 

4.5 Next, remove the paper that was just placed on the work platform, and click 'Full preview' to update the canvas content.

4.6 Finally, move the pattern you just extracted to the desired position, then click 'Start' to begin processing, or Send to send the file to the machine, then start from the panel (the latter is recommended to ensure file transfer accuracy).

If you want to confirm the starting point on the machine, you need to select "user origin", then send the file to the machine.

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

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