Smart Camera Mode Switching for Illumination Control Conflicts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart cameras with illumination control functions have insufficient processing resources, leading to potential competition with image processing controllers when connected, which can result in inefficient illumination control and inspection processes.
Innovation Solution
A smart camera with a mode switching unit that allows it to operate in either a master mode, controlling external illuminators independently, or a slave mode where the image processing controller manages illumination, preventing competition and enhancing processing capabilities by sharing resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the smart camera is connected to the image processing controller to compensate for insufficient processing resources, then the inspection capability is improved, but illumination control competition occurs between the smart camera and the image processing controller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mode switching mechanism that allows the smart camera to transition between master mode (independent illumination control) and slave mode (controller-managed illumination control). This dynamic adaptability enables the system to optimize illumination control based on operational context, resolving the contradiction by allowing the smart camera to yield illumination control to the image processing controller when connected, thereby eliminating control competition while maintaining enhanced inspection capabilities through shared processing resources.
2Ease of operation
If the smart camera uses its illumination control function independently, then the smart camera can operate autonomously, but processing resources remain insufficient for complex inspections
Solution Approach 1:
The mode switching unit enables the smart camera to dynamically adjust its operational autonomy. In master mode, the smart camera operates autonomously with full illumination control capability. When connected to an image processing controller, the system can transition to slave mode where illumination control is managed by the controller, allowing the smart camera to leverage the controller's superior processing resources for complex inspections while maintaining the option for autonomous operation when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the smart camera is configured for both master and slave modes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination control function into distinct operational modes (master and slave) that are managed by a mode switching unit. This segmentation allows the smart camera to present different operational interfaces and control behaviors based on the selected mode, achieving versatility without requiring the entire complex control system to be active simultaneously. The mode switching mechanism organizes the complexity into manageable, context-appropriate segments.
Data Source
AI summary
In a use mode in which a smart camera having an illumination control function is connected to an image processing controller, illumination control of the smart camera and illumination control of the image processing controller do not compete with each other. In a master mode, a smart camera turns on an external illuminator by an illumination control function of the smart camera, images light reflected by a workpiece, among beams of light of the external illuminator, by an imaging unit to generate a workpiece image, and executes an inspection process on the workpiece image. In a slave mode, the smart camera images light reflected by a workpiece, among beams of light of an illuminator turned on under control of an image processing controller, by the imaging unit to generate a workpiece image, and transfers the workpiece image to the image processing controller.