Single-Camera Dual-Resolution Capture for Barcode and Machine Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems for retail and logistics require separate sensors for barcode decoding and machine vision due to different resolution and field of view needs, leading to increased cost, bulkiness, and potential failure points.
Innovation Solution
An image-based data capture system using a single camera with multiple fields of view and resolution capabilities, where low-resolution data is processed for machine vision and high-resolution data is processed for barcode decoding, allowing simultaneous performance of both tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used for barcode decoding and machine vision, then each function can be optimized independently, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines barcode decoding and machine vision functions into a single imaging sensor, eliminating the need for separate sensors. The single sensor captures images that are then processed through different pipelines - one for barcode decoding and another for machine vision tasks - thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining functional optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging sensor is designed to serve multiple functions: it can capture images for both barcode decoding and machine vision applications. By making the sensor universal, the system avoids the complexity of multiple specialized sensors while still achieving optimized performance for each function through software-based processing pipelines.
2Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used for barcode decoding and machine vision, then each function can be optimized independently, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges barcode decoding and machine vision into a single sensor system, reducing the total component count and associated costs. The unified approach eliminates the need for multiple sensors, mounting hardware, and calibration systems, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining precision through dedicated processing pipelines.
3Volume of moving object
If a single camera is used for both barcode decoding and machine vision, then system size is reduced, but different field of view and resolution requirements must be satisfied simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic field of view selection where the system can switch between a first field of view optimized for barcode decoding and a second field of view optimized for machine vision. This dynamic adaptability allows a single camera to satisfy different spatial requirements for different functions, reducing system volume while maintaining versatility.
4Volume of moving object
If a single camera is used for both barcode decoding and machine vision, then system size is reduced, but additional processing requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into separate pipelines: one pipeline handles barcode decoding while another handles machine vision tasks. This segmentation allows the single camera to serve both functions by directing processed images to appropriate analysis modules, reducing physical system size while managing processing complexity through organized data flows.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing barcoding and machine vision with a single camera are disclosed herein. An example system includes an image sensor configured to capture low-resolution image data of a large field of view and high-resolution image data of a small field of view. A first data pipeline is configured to transmit the low-resolution image data to a first module configured to perform image processing on the low-resolution image data. A second data pipeline is configured to transmit the high-resolution image data to a second module configured to perform image processing on the high-resolution image data. Machine readable instructions cause the system to capture image data of the large field of view or the small field of view and the processor transmits either the low-resolution image data via the first data pipeline or the high-resolution image data via the second pipeline.