Coded Information Reader Dual Camera Segmentation
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coded information readers, such as those using dual camera assemblies, inefficiently exploit camera capabilities, leading to wasted time in adjusting settings and partial field of view usage, resulting in suboptimal decoding performance and increased risk of codes being missed.
Innovation Solution
Employing a low-resolution camera for rapid object presence detection and parameter adjustment, followed by triggering a high-resolution camera for decoding, ensuring efficient operation and full field of view utilization without unnecessary switching or parameter adjustment time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-resolution camera is used for coded information decoding, then decoding precision is improved, but the time required for parameter adjustment and frame acquisition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the camera system into two distinct camera assemblies: a first camera optimized for rapid parameter adjustment and object detection, and a second camera optimized for high-precision decoding. This segmentation allows each camera to specialize in specific tasks, eliminating the time penalty of adjusting high-resolution parameters while maintaining decoding precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The first camera performs preliminary actions by detecting object presence and determining operating parameters (exposure, gain, focus) before the second camera is activated. This preliminary parameter determination is then applied to the second camera, eliminating the need for time-consuming parameter adjustments when high-resolution decoding is required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dual camera assembly is used, then decoding capability is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first camera assembly serves multiple functions: it detects object presence, determines operating parameters (exposure, gain, focus), and provides triggering signals for the second camera. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced decoding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the parameter determination and object detection functions with the first camera assembly, which operates continuously at lower resolution. This consolidation allows the second high-resolution camera to focus solely on decoding, simplifying the control logic and reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple specialized components.
3Speed
If the first camera operates continuously at high frame rate, then object presence detection speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first camera operates continuously at high frame rate for parameter determination, while the second high-resolution camera is activated periodically only when the first camera detects an object and triggers it. This periodic activation of the energy-intensive second camera significantly reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining fast detection capability through the continuously operating first camera.
Data Source
AI summary
Coded information reader (1) for reading coded information (6) from an object, comprising a first camera assembly (10) having a first resolution, a first frame rate and a first field of view (18), and a second camera assembly (20) having a second resolution, a second frame rate and a second field of view (28), wherein the first resolution is lower than the second resolution and the first frame rate is higher than the second frame rate. The first camera assembly (10) is configured to acquire frames and to process the acquired frames to perform: —detection of object presence, —determination of operating parameters for both the first camera assembly (10) and the second camera assembly (20), —coded information decoding, —in case of failure of said coded information decoding, triggering of the second camera assembly (20) to acquire frames and to process the acquired frames to perform coded information decoding with the operating parameters set as determined by the first camera assembly (10) for the second camera assembly (20).