Offset Line Sensor Camera for High-Resolution Conveyor Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems struggle to achieve high image resolution without increasing manufacturing costs or requiring complex synchronization of image sensor movements during relative object movement, especially in industrial applications like conveyor belt systems.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a light receiver having at least two rows of light-receiving elements offset in the line direction, using static receiving optics to generate recordings that are then processed to achieve higher resolution, allowing for improved image resolution in both the line and conveying directions without the need for special hardware or complex synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a line sensor with larger number or density of pixels is used to achieve higher image resolution, then image resolution is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple line sensors (at least two) arranged parallel to each other. Each line sensor captures a portion of the image, and through combination of these segmented lines, a complete high-resolution image is formed. This segmentation allows using standard line sensors instead of requiring a single expensive high-resolution sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing pixel density in a single line (one-dimensional approach), the patent adds multiple lines in the vertical dimension. By arranging multiple line sensors parallel to each other and combining their outputs, the system achieves higher overall image resolution without increasing the pixel density within each individual line, thus avoiding the cost increase associated with high-density pixel fabrication.
2Measurement precision
If image recording frequency is increased to improve image resolution in conveying direction, then image resolution is improved, but integration time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The image capture process is segmented across multiple line sensors that operate simultaneously. Each line sensor integrates light over the same time period, capturing different vertical portions of the moving object. This parallel segmentation allows maintaining long integration time while achieving high resolution through the combination of multiple lines rather than through rapid sequential sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple line sensors continuously capture image data simultaneously during the object's movement through the field of view. This continuous parallel capture maintains optimal integration time for each line while ensuring complete coverage of the object, avoiding the need to reduce integration time to increase sampling frequency.
3Measurement precision
If image sensor is set in rapid motion to achieve offset starting images for super resolution, then image resolution is improved, but synchronization becomes difficult and sensitive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the image sensor to create offsets (active motion approach), the patent uses multiple stationary line sensors arranged in parallel. The offset between captured images is achieved naturally by the spatial separation and different field of view of each line sensor, eliminating the need for precise motion control and synchronization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple line sensors create multiple copies of the image data simultaneously, each capturing a slightly different portion of the scene. These parallel copies are then combined through image processing to form a high-resolution composite image, replacing the need for single-sensor motion-based offset acquisition.
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 enhances image resolution beyond the original pixel density without increasing manufacturing costs or complicating synchronization, using standard image sensors and maintaining the original pixel arrangement, while preserving integration time.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiver (image sensor) with at least two rows (22a-b) of light-receiving elements (pixels, photoelements)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~5b
Figure 6~10
AI summary
A camera (10) for capturing objects (32) moving in a conveying direction (34) is described. This camera includes a light receiver (20) with at least two rows (22a-b) of light-receiving pixels (24) and a control and evaluation unit (26). The two rows (22a-b) generate two images (40a-b) of a portion of the object (32), offset from each other at least in the row direction, and from these, a higher-resolution image line is calculated. A complete image is then assembled from the image lines generated during the movement of the objects (32). A receiving optic (16) is positioned in front of the light receiver (20) to create the offset between the images (40a-b).