Vadzo Low-Power Wi-Fi Camera for Real-Time Monitoring
In inventory management, the integration of cutting-edge technology is important to address challenges related to real-time monitoring and operational efficiency. This case study delves into how Vadzo designed and manufactured WIFI camera solution that revolutionized warehouse inventory monitoring for one of our key customers, offering unparalleled power efficiency, image quality, and cost effectiveness.
Requirement
Low-Power WIFI camera
Real-Time Image Capture and Push to Cloud
High Performance Image Capture at Low Light
Seamless Integration with AWS Infrastructure
Challenges Addressed
Power Efficient Architecture & Power Management
Cost Effective BOM
Quick Time to Market Leveraging Off the Shelf Camera
APIs to integrate with existing systems and OTA
Solution Components
Low Power WIFI Camera: Key Aspects of the Solution
Bolt-291CRS – IMX291 MIPI Camera
Low Power SOC based Board Design
WIFI/BLE Integration
Battery Charging & Gauging Design
IP66 Enclosure
Results Achieved
Cost-Effective High-Performance Camera
1080P Low Light WIFI Camera
Real-Time Inventory Monitoring
Improved Efficiency & Seamless Integration
Requirement Overview: 1080P Low Light WIFI Camera
The adoption of advanced imaging technology in warehouse inventory management presents an opportunity to address challenges related to real-time monitoring, accuracy, and operational efficiency. In today's dynamic business environment, there is a growing demand for solutions that can provide comprehensive visibility into inventory levels and streamline operations with minimal disruption.
The requirement was for a low-power WiFi Camera that enables a leading warehouse company to monitor their inventory. The camera shall have to be battery-powered and programmed for scheduled wake-up, image capture, and push to the cloud. The camera can also be operated on continuous video monitoring should it have external power.
Challenges in Building 1080P Low Light WIFI Camera
High-Performance Imaging in Low Light Conditions
Conventional inventory monitoring systems often suffer from limited visibility and accuracy due to inconsistent lighting conditions in warehouses, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in inventory management.
This lack of image performance hampers analytics algorithms and decision-making processes and results in stockouts, overstocking, and increased operational costs.
Cost-Effective Solution to Enable Volume Installation
The inventory Monitoring Solution in discussion was expected to the scaled to higher volume of installation in terms of 10K units per quarter. The need was for a camera solution that was cost-effective at this volume.
The Bill-Of-Material should also enable quick scale and thus should comprise low lead-time and highly reliable components to ensure risk-free expansion.
Fast Go-To-Market Demand
Inventory Monitoring played a vital role in the customer’s profitability analysis and the need to start installing quickly was paramount.
The customer needed to onboard a design partner who had the necessary building blocks in place from the hardware perspective and strong knowledge in integration with AWS for Image transfer, Communication, OTA, Motion Clip transfer, Video on Demand, etc.
Demand for Seamless Integration
To maximize the benefits of imaging technology, it is crucial for solutions to seamlessly integrate with existing inventory management systems and workflows.
Compatibility with various hardware and software platforms is essential to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to operations.
The Solution: IMX291 Low Light Low Power WIFI Camera
Vadzo’s Low Power WIFI Camera Solution based on IMX291 Sony Starvis Sensor emerged as a game-changing solution for the customer’s warehouse inventory monitoring requirement, offering advanced imaging capabilities tailored to meet the specific requirements of inventory management systems.
Ultra Low-Light Imaging
Vadzo Leveraged the Bolt-291CRS camera based on the IMX291 Sony Starvis Sensor to accelerate the development.
IMX291 Sensor in combination with Vadzo’s High-Performance Image Signal Processor (ISP) ensured high-quality images in Low Light conditions with additional HDR performance.
Low Power SOC Architecture
Vadzo leveraged its deep understanding of Low-Power SOCs that enabled aspects such as Low Power, Configurable Sleep Modes, Quick Boot Up time, Light Weight OS, and so on.
The SOC comes with an in-built H.264 encoder and IOs to integrate with WIFI/BE Chip, 3rd Party Sensors, Battery, etc.
WIFI/BLE Integration
Vadzo integrated a WIFI/BLE controller that supports WIFI 802.11 b/g/n/ac and BLE4.0.
Pre-certified Antenna Design was used to ensure a quicker time to market. Enclosure design was done with the consideration of the WIFI Power.
Seamless Integration
Vadzo engaged its software team to support with integrating the camera with the customer’s AWS infrastructure and enabling Messaging over MQTT, OTA, VOD, Image Transfer, etc.
Vadzo also enabled the customer's software to monitor the health of each device in the field.
The Results
The integration of Global Shutter Camera Solutions has led to significant improvements in real-time monitoring, accuracy, and efficiency in warehouse inventory management.
Achievements:
Cost-Effective High-Performance Camera
1080P Low Light WIFI Camera
Real-Time Inventory Monitoring
Improved Efficiency & Seamless Integration
Next Steps
Building on the success of the initial implementation, the future of the engagement with the customer has exciting possibilities for further innovation and advancement.
Mass Production:
Vadzo engaged with the customer on Pilot Production in the volumes of 250 units.
Post Successful Pilot Deployments, the production ramp achieved as of 2023 is 5K Units per Quarter.
Integration with AI and Analytics:
Investigate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics solutions to enhance the functionality of Global Shutter Camera Solutions.
Leverage AI-powered features such as object recognition and anomaly detection to automate inventory tracking and optimize warehouse operations.