Multi-Camera Code Reading System for Variable Object Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems struggle to simultaneously detect multiple objects on a conveyor belt with different focal demands, leading to inferior image quality and defective code readings, especially when dealing with wider belts or multiple belts side by side.
Innovation Solution
A camera system comprising multiple detection units with adjustable focus settings, where image data from each unit is composed to form a common image, allowing for individual focus tracking of objects and improved image quality, and a geometry detection sensor helps in pre-identifying object positions and dimensions for optimal focus allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single camera is used to detect objects on a conveyor belt, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to simultaneously detect multiple objects with different focal positions is limited, resulting in defective readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection task by using multiple detection units (cameras) with different focal positions. Each camera is responsible for detecting objects at specific depth ranges, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple objects at different focal positions without requiring a single complex camera to handle all depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the focal position dimension to the detection capability. Instead of using a single camera that must compromise on depth of field, multiple cameras are positioned at different focal distances, transforming the problem from a two-dimensional (x,y) detection plane to a three-dimensional (x,y,z) detection space, enabling simultaneous focus on multiple objects at different depths.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection units are used to cover different focal positions, then the image quality for multiple objects improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each detection unit is optimized for its specific focal position and detection task. Instead of using a single high-performance camera that must compromise on depth of field, multiple specialized detection units are deployed, each providing high-quality images for its specific focal range. This allows the system to maintain high measurement precision across multiple focal positions without requiring each individual camera to be overly complex.
3Measurement precision
If a camera focuses on one focal position, then sharp images are obtained for objects at that position, but objects at other focal positions appear blurred and cannot be read correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The detection task is segmented across multiple cameras, each responsible for a specific focal position. This allows the system to maintain sharp focus and high code reading accuracy for objects at each focal position simultaneously, rather than requiring sequential focusing which would reduce throughput. Each camera segment handles its designated focal range independently and concurrently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous detection capability across multiple focal positions by having multiple cameras operating simultaneously. Instead of a single camera that must refocus between objects (interrupting the detection flow), multiple cameras provide continuous coverage across different focal planes, ensuring that objects at any position can be detected without interruption, thereby maintaining high detection throughput.
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 simultaneous detection and reading of codes from multiple objects with different focusing demands, resulting in higher reading rates and improved image quality by ensuring objects are in focus, even when objects have varying heights or positions.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel-resolved image sensor and image evaluation software extracts the code information from these images
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of detection units for taking image data of the objects, each detection unit having an image sensor and a focusing unit for setting a focal position
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system (10), in particular a camera-based code reading system, for detecting a stream of objects (14) moved relative to the camera system (14) is provided, wherein the camera system (10) has a plurality of detection units (18) each having an image sensor and a focusing unit (20) as well as at least one control unit (30, 32) to set the focal positions of the detection units (18) in a complementary manner on a simultaneous detection of a plurality of objects (14) such that as many objects (14) as possible are detected in focus by at least one detection unit (18). In this respect, an evaluation unit (32) is provided which is configured to compose image data of the detection units (18) to form a common image.