Integrated Sensor Computing System for Industrial Machine Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material handling systems in industrial environments rely on external computing hardware for sensing and processing, which increases design complexity, costs, and potential failure points, and limits data transmission and mounting options.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sensing and computing system that combines a depth imager, color camera, and multiple GPU processing cores within a ruggedized housing, capable of generating 3D data and sending direct detection results, reducing the need for external processing and enhancing parallel processing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If external computing hardware is used for data processing, then processing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the computing hardware (CPU/GPU) directly into the sensor module, merging previously separate components (sensor + external computer) into a single integrated unit. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining processing capability while reducing system complexity and eliminating the need for separate external computing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor module performs multiple functions including sensing, processing, and communication within a single device. The CPU/GPU cores enable the sensor to process data internally rather than requiring external computing resources, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full processing capability.
2Power
If external computing hardware is used, then processing power is improved, but mounting and wiring options are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the CPU/GPU directly into the sensor module, the patent eliminates the need for separate mounting of external computing hardware. The combined unit offers greater mounting flexibility and can be deployed in various industrial environments without the constraints of coordinating multiple separate components.
3Power
If separate hardware systems are introduced, then processing capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to additional failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves reliability by reducing the number of separate hardware components. By integrating the CPU/GPU into the sensor module, it eliminates connection interfaces and reduces potential failure points while maintaining full processing capability.
4Power
If external computing hardware is used, then processing capability is improved, but data transmission bandwidth and cabling options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the processing function from external hardware and embeds it directly in the sensor module. This eliminates the need for data transmission between separate components, thereby eliminating bandwidth limitations and cabling constraints while maintaining full processing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing and computing system and method for capturing images and data regarding an object and calculating one or more parameters regarding the object using an internal, integrated CPU/GPU. The system comprises an imaging system, including a depth imaging system, color camera, and light source, that capture images of the object and sends data or signals relating to the images to the CPU/GPU, which performs calculations based on those signals/data according to pre-programmed algorithms to determine the parameters. The CPU/GPU and imaging system are contained within a protective housing. The CPU/GPU transmits information regarding the parameters, rather than raw data/signals, to one or more external devices to perform tasks in an industrial environment related to the object imaged.