Our
Automatic
Meter Reading (AMR) and OCR,
MICR and Barcode Reading
technology is based on Xemtec's opto-ASICs
scan engine technology.
Xemtec
has developed two opto-ASICs (retina1
& retina2) for combined optical character and
barcode recognition using its breakthrough
Retina technology. The opto-ASICs offer
premium performance, combining high scanning
speeds, with excellent reliability and accuracy.
The
need for fewer components allows for the
production of low-cost scan engines and
scanners, while low power consumption ensures
long battery life. The opto-ASICs offer high
overall robustness with high immunity to ambient
light, as well as the ability to read laminated
surfaces and poor or damaged characters or
barcodes.
With
the latest opto-ASIC (retina2) the pixel array
is programmable allowing for application
optimization (such as turning off pixels not in
use), which reduces power consumption.
This
opto-ASIC also has an automatic shutter, edge
computation circuitry, data compressor, ADC and
flash memory. Both parallel and serial
interfaces are supported and it is compatible
with the USB protocol as well as most micro
controllers currently available.
Xemtec’s opto-ASICs have been successfully implemented
in a variety of commercial applications and
markets such as OCRB, MICR & Barcode readers
and Automatic Meter Readers
Retina
Technology
Unlike
traditional CCD and CMOS image technologies, the
Retina Technology immediately processes the
image into an edge map - representing local
changes in intensity and their associated
directions - right onto the chip.
Like a human
retina, the sensor is made up of a layer that
identifies specific aspect of characters.
Further processing takes place in the subsequent
layers of the convolutional neural network,
implemented either in the associated computer or
in the local micro-controller.
Auto
exposure
Local
edge detection
1000
images per second
Retina
Opto-ASIC Description
Consisting
of a programmable 50x250 (retina 2) or 48x20
(retina 1) pixel array with 22µm pitch,
automatic shutter, edge computation circuitry,
3x data compressor, ADC, digital control, 6kB
RAM (only retina 2).
Integrates
image capture and processing functions onto one
chip.
Recognizes
characters and barcodes using edge extraction
algorithms.
Reads
out (via USB) 1000 frames per second with 2048
pixels per frame.
Parallel
and serial communication interface support,
compatible with USB protocol and most of the
available micro controllers on the market.
Innovative,
enabling technology for low cost, high
performance combined OCR and barcode reader
applications.
Integrates
image capture and processing functions onto one
chip, that scanner engine designs require less
additional components.
More
reliable, robust and durable than readers
produced with laser or CCD technology.
Minimum
power consumption; ideal for integration in
battery operated devices.
Offers
premium performance in demanding environments -
high immunity to ambient light, ability to read
laminated surfaces and poor quality or damaged
characters and barcodes.
Programmable
pixel array allows for application and power
consumption optimization.
Fast
scanning and low requirements on post-processing.
