Machine Vision Scanner Adaptive Imaging Parameter Banks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial machine vision systems face challenges in capturing high-quality images of varying item characteristics, leading to inconsistent job execution and the need for multiple imaging devices, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a fixed industrial scanner system that configures a machine vision job with a barcode reading tool, setting multiple banks of imaging parameters. The system captures images using each bank of parameters, attempts to decode barcodes, and repeats the process until a successful decode is achieved, storing the parameters associated with successful decoding for subsequent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single set of imaging parameters is used for the camera, then the system configuration is simple, but the image quality is insufficient for items with varying characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between multiple pre-configured parameter sets (banks) based on the specific item characteristics being imaged. Instead of using a fixed single parameter set, the system selects from multiple parameter sets (e.g., different exposure times, gains, focal lengths) to adapt to varying item characteristics such as size, shape, and material properties
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes imaging parameters (exposure time, gain, focal length, aperture) by selecting from multiple pre-configured parameter sets. Each parameter set is optimized for specific types of items, allowing the system to adjust its imaging characteristics to match the requirements of different items on the conveyor belt
2Reliability
If multiple imaging devices are installed to capture sufficient quality images, then image quality reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single imaging device is made multi-functional by equipping it with the capability to select from multiple parameter sets. This single device can perform the function of multiple specialized devices by switching between different parameter configurations, thereby capturing high-quality images of diverse items without requiring multiple physical devices
Solution Approach 2:
The single imaging device dynamically adapts to different imaging requirements by switching between pre-configured parameter sets, effectively replacing the need for multiple static imaging devices each optimized for specific item types
3Ease of operation
If a single set of imaging parameters is used, then the system is easy to operate, but job execution fails for items with varying characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple parameter sets are pre-configured and stored in the system before operation. Each parameter set is optimized for specific item characteristics, allowing the system to automatically select the appropriate configuration without requiring manual adjustment during operation, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving job execution success rate
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for optimizing one or more imaging settings for a machine vision job are provided. An example method includes configuring a machine vision job by setting a plurality of banks of imaging parameters, with each of the plurality of banks of imaging parameters being different from each other; transmitting the machine vision job to an imaging device; and executing the machine vision job on the imaging device to: (a) capture an image with the imaging device operating pursuant to one of the plurality of banks of imaging parameters; (b) attempt to decode a barcode within the image; (c) responsive to successfully decoding the barcode within the image, successfully ending the barcode reader tool; and (d) responsive to unsuccessfully decoding the barcode within the image, repeating (a)-(d) with another one of the one of the plurality of banks of imaging parameters.