Embedded Imaging System for Real-Time Pill Dispensing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vision-based inspection systems for pharmaceutical production facilities are not suitable for embedded applications in pill counting and dispensing machines due to their large size, lack of real-time I/O processing, and inability to handle high-speed image processing and control requirements, making them incompatible with retail and healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
A miniature, low-cost embedded vision system that captures high-resolution images in real-time, processes them, and performs real-time I/O control, allowing for integration within machines and enabling flexible programming and external hardware configurations to meet various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large camera package connected to an external PC or image processing unit is used, then image processing capability is improved, but device size becomes too large for embedded applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera sensor, image processing unit, and I/O controller into a single integrated embedded device. The image processing unit is directly coupled to the sensor and includes memory, allowing the system to perform image processing and control functions without requiring external PC or processing units, thus reducing overall device size while maintaining processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single unit: capturing images via the sensor, processing images through the integrated image processing unit, storing images in memory, and controlling I/O operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external devices for each function.
2Power
If external hardware is used for image processing and I/O control, then processing capability is improved, but real-time control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing unit and I/O controller are directly integrated within the embedded device, with the image processing unit coupled to both the sensor and the I/O controller. This direct coupling enables real-time control by eliminating communication delays associated with external hardware, allowing the system to process images and execute control actions within the same device in real-time.
3Power
If a camera package with communications port is used, then image output capability is improved, but device size becomes too large due to metal box enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the camera sensor, image processing unit, and I/O controller into a single compact embedded device, eliminating the need for a separate metal box enclosure. The integrated design maintains image output capability through the I/O controller while significantly reducing the overall device volume to suit embedded applications.
4Power
If dedicated vision based sorting devices are used, then image processing capability is improved, but I/O control capability deteriorates due to lack of controller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image processing unit and I/O controller within the same embedded device, with the image processing unit directly coupled to the I/O controller. This integration provides both image processing capability and flexible I/O control capability, including programmable control algorithms and multiple I/O interfaces, eliminating the limitation of dedicated sorting devices that lack controller functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The I/O controller is designed to be programmable and reconfigurable, allowing the system to adapt to different control requirements and applications. The controller can execute different control algorithms and interface with various external devices, providing dynamic and versatile I/O control capability rather than fixed, hardwired control.
5Volume of stationary object
If smart camera sensors are used, then device size is reduced, but real-time I/O processing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a full-featured image processing unit and I/O controller within the compact embedded device, rather than using simplified smart camera sensors. The image processing unit is directly coupled to the I/O controller, enabling real-time I/O processing capability while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for embedded applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A stand alone imaging system is disclosed that captures undistorted, high resolution, stop-action images of objects (e.g., medicine pills) moving at automation speeds, processes the images in real time, and then performs real-time I/O based control that is a function of the image processing results. The imaging system has a form factor that enables it to be embedded inside a product (e.g., a pill dispenser). The imaging system also has a flexible I/O system so that a variety of different applications can be handled by changing only the programming and the external hardware connected to the device in which the imaging system is embedded. In the case of pill dispensing and quality control, a miniature, low cost imaging system can be embedded in a pill dispenser to obtain a pill image and then process the image in real time as the pill moves through a counting system. The embedded imaging system processes the images fast enough and with sufficient quality and resolution so as to command a pill counting mechanism to dispense or reject the pill based on the image processing results. Images of the pills can also be sent to a remote location or an archive. The embedded imaging system has sufficient processing power and I/O to control the entire pill counting mechanism. Lighting may be provided by a separate solid state lighting source which may be controlled by the embedded imaging system's camera or operated independently. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.