Mobile ID Reader Configuration via Image Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring ID reading systems to accurately decode various types and sizes of machine-readable symbols on objects moving along a conveyor line is challenging due to the need for specific setup information, such as symbology type, string length, and image frame rate, which is often difficult to determine and transmit efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device with a camera and processor is used to acquire images of IDs and reference fiducials, decode the information, and derive configuration properties, which are then translated into configuration data and transmitted to the ID decoding vision system, allowing for automated setup and hardware recommendations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration of ID reader parameters is performed, then setup accuracy can be achieved, but configuration time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically capturing images of IDs on the conveyor line, extracting parameters such as symbology type, string length, and resolution through image processing, and setting camera properties including frame rate based on detected line speed, eliminating the need for manual parameter input
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures preliminary images of IDs during the setup phase to extract configuration parameters before actual operation begins, allowing the ID reader to be pre-configured with correct settings for symbology types, string lengths, and camera properties based on actual samples from the production line
2Measurement precision
If manual configuration of ID reader parameters is performed, then setup accuracy can be achieved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically capturing images of IDs on the conveyor line, extracting parameters such as symbology type, string length, and resolution through image processing, and setting camera properties including frame rate based on detected line speed, eliminating the need for manual parameter input
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of configuring parameters is replaced with an automated optical and computational system that uses image capture, processing, and algorithmic determination of camera settings, substituting human operator actions with automated vision-based parameter extraction
3Measurement precision
If image frame rate is increased to capture high-speed conveyor IDs, then capture accuracy improves, but system complexity and calibration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts camera parameters including frame rate, exposure time, and resolution based on detected line speed and ID characteristics, optimizing capture settings dynamically without requiring manual calibration or complex fixed configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from image quality analysis and line speed detection to automatically adjust camera frame rate and other properties, creating a closed-loop configuration process that optimizes capture accuracy based on actual operating conditions rather than requiring pre-calibration
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for communicating at least one of updated configuration information and hardware setup recommendations to a user of an ID decoding vision system is provided. An image of an object containing one or more IDs is acquired with a mobile device. The ID associated with the object is decoded to derive information. Physical dimensions of the ID associated with the object are determined. Based on the information and the dimensions, configuration data can be transmitted to a remote server that automatically determines setup information for the vision system based upon the configuration data. The remote server thereby transmits at least one of (a) updated configuration information to the vision system and (b) hardware setup recommendations to a user of the vision system based upon the configuration data.