Machine Vision

Post and Parcel Sorting

• Real-time processing with off-the-shelf equipment
• No distance limits between camera and processing elements
• No DSP boards or frame grabbers
• Superior scalability and flexibility
• Efficient DMA and low CPU usage

As automated sorting systems move to 2D matrix reading, OCR (optical character recognition), and high-speed conveyors, unprecedented amounts of data must be transported and processed in real time.

With Pleora's iPORT™ Connectivity Solution, this challenge can be met using off-the-shelf GigE and PC equipment instead of more costly DSPs (digital signal processors), frame grabbers, or custom implementations. Systems ride the aggressive cost/performance curves of commercial PC processing technology, while leveraging GigE's networking flexibility, scalability, ease-of-use, and long-distance reach.

iPORT streams imaging data in real-time from cameras to PCs and/or between two or more PCs over standard GigE links or LANs. All nodes exchange information at GigE's full, 1-Gb/s (gigabit per second) rate with the low, predictable latency (or delay) required by demanding applications. One or more Pentium 4-class computers can thus be configured in real-time, multi-stage processing networks.

In the figure above, for example, image data is sent to a master PC for pre-processing, and then passed in real time to worker PCs in a compute farm. The worker PCs are configured as processing "cells," with each optimized to process a different style of handwriting. Processing power can be increased and new tasks accommodated simply by adding a new PC to the system or upgrading an existing one. If multi-stage processing suits the application, a second compute farm can be added, as shown below.

For more info on iPORT products, click here.