Single Camera Vision System With Dynamic Zoom Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single camera vision systems in logistics applications inefficiently use a large number of pixels due to fixed opening angles and sensor aspect ratios, making it challenging to adjust the viewing angle accurately and quickly to accommodate objects of varying heights and widths.
Innovation Solution
A single-camera vision system with an image sensor aspect ratio of 1:4 to 1:8, equipped with a distance sensor and a zoom lens that can adjust the viewing angle rapidly using moving-membrane liquid lens technology, allowing for variable focal distances and angles to optimize image resolution across different object heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed opening angle camera system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to objects of varying heights and widths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a variable opening angle lens that can dynamically adjust its field of view based on object characteristics. The lens transitions from a fixed opening angle system to one that can change its angular coverage, allowing the camera to adapt to objects of varying heights and widths while maintaining efficient pixel utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the opening angle parameter of the lens based on detected object characteristics. By adjusting this key parameter, the camera can optimize its field of view for different object sizes, improving both adaptability and pixel efficiency without requiring multiple fixed-angle cameras.
2Area of stationary object
If the viewing angle is widened to cover more width, then the field of view increases, but the resolution in the motion direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The variable opening angle lens dynamically adjusts the field of view width based on the object's width and position. When a wider view is needed, the opening angle increases; when higher resolution is needed, the angle narrows. This dynamic adjustment resolves the trade-off between coverage area and resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the opening angle parameter to optimize the balance between field of view width and image resolution. By changing this parameter based on object characteristics, the system achieves both adequate coverage and sufficient resolution for ID decoding.
3Measurement precision
If the viewing angle is narrowed to improve resolution, then the measurement precision improves, but the field of view width deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the opening angle based on real-time object detection. When high resolution is required for ID decoding, the angle narrows; when broader coverage is needed, the angle widens. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize for either resolution or width depending on the situation.
4Device complexity
If a single fixed camera position is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accommodate varying object heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The variable opening angle lens changes its angular parameter based on the height of objects on the conveyor. For taller objects, the angle adjusts to capture the full height; for shorter objects, it optimizes for width coverage. This parameter adjustment allows a single camera position to effectively handle varying object heights.
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 solution enables efficient use of pixels, allowing for accurate imaging and decoding of IDs on objects of varying heights and widths, reducing pixel waste and improving processing speed by adjusting the viewing angle and focal distance concurrently.
Implementation Method 1
moving-membrane liquid lens technology
Implementation Method 2
A lens assembly is in optical communication with the image sensor. The lens assembly has an adjustable viewing angle at constant magnification within a predetermined range of working distances.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a single-camera vision system, typically for use in logistics applications, that allows for adjustment of the camera viewing angle to accommodate a wide range of object heights and associated widths moving relative to an imaged scene with constant magnification. The camera assembly employs an image sensor that is more particularly suited to such applications, with an aspect (height-to-width) ratio of approximately 1:4 to 1:8. The camera assembly includes a distance sensor to determine the distance to the top of each object. The camera assembly employs a zoom lens that can change at relatively high speed (e.g. <10 ms) to allow adjustment of the viewing angle from object to object as each one passes under the camera's field of view (FOV). Optics that allow the image to be resolved on the image sensor within the desired range of viewing angles are provided in the camera lens assembly.