User Programmable Image Processing Module for Smart Camera Customization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machine vision systems, especially smart cameras, restrict users to fixed image acquisition and analysis capabilities, requiring vendor involvement for modifications, which can compromise proprietary processes and necessitate reconfiguration when switching technologies, posing challenges in maintaining confidentiality and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A user programmable image capturing and processing apparatus that allows loading and running custom algorithms directly on the camera, utilizing various image sensors and processing modules with JTAG ports for programming, enabling flexible image capture and analysis without vendor dependency, and protecting proprietary processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If factory preprogrammed image analysis capabilities are used, then the camera provides fixed and reliable processing functions, but the user cannot modify or customize the processing algorithms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidprocess protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The processing module is divided into a vendor-supplied base processing unit and a user-programmable extension unit. The base unit provides reliable fixed functions, while the extension unit allows user customization through JTAG ports and memory interfaces, enabling algorithm modification without compromising the stability of the core system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A secure interface layer using JTAG ports and controlled memory access acts as an intermediary between the user's customization needs and the core processing system. This intermediary enables algorithm loading and modification while maintaining protection of proprietary vendor processes through access control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user works with the vendor to modify factory preprogrammed capabilities, then custom processing can be achieved, but the confidential nature of the user's process is jeopardized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing customizationVSAvoidproprietary process confidentiality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The customization functionality is extracted from the vendor's control and implemented as a separate user-programmable module. Users can load their own algorithms directly into the camera's processing unit through provided interfaces, eliminating the need to disclose proprietary processes to the vendor while still achieving custom processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to independently program and load their own processing algorithms without requiring vendor involvement in the actual algorithm development. The camera provides the hardware platform and interfaces, but users self-service by loading their proprietary algorithms directly, maintaining confidentiality of their processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the user switches to a different sensor technology or camera system, then technological flexibility is achieved, but reconfiguration and vendor association are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor technology flexibilityVSAvoidreconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing module is designed with universal interfaces and standardized protocols that work across different sensor types and camera systems. The user-programmable architecture allows the same processing unit to be loaded with different algorithms for different sensor technologies without requiring complete reconfiguration or vendor-specific reintegration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If image analysis is done on the user's host computer, then processing flexibility is maintained, but system response time and processing speed are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing flexibilityVSAvoidimage processing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The image capturing and analysis functions are merged into a single integrated processing unit within the camera system. By combining the sensor processing and user algorithms in one unit, the system eliminates the need for data transfer to a host computer, significantly improving processing speed while maintaining flexibility through user-programmable capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9509904B2User programmable image capturing and processing device

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 IMPERX

AI summary

The present description provides a user programmable image capturing and processing apparatus which allows the user to load and run its own custom processing algorithms into the camera or device apparatus, does not limit the client to a specific set of factory preloaded image processing algorithms, and can utilize a wide range of image capturing means such as Ultrasound, X-ray, RF frequency, or other means of converting signals or waves to image.