A method and device for efficiently distributing discrete items

Abstract

A method and apparatus for efficiently distributing discrete items includes driving a conveyor to convey the items; the items output by the conveyor during a start-stop cycle form at least one separate item pile; continuously capturing images of an imaging area located at the end of the conveyor; processing the captured images in real time to determine the number of items output; finding a combined item pile, each of which has the same number of items as a target number, and distributing the combined item pile to a container. The present invention locates the imaging area at the output section of the conveyor. The items are supported by the conveyor and have a stable orientation, facilitating visual detection of the shape and size of the items after imaging. Using the imaging area across the conveyor, imaging and counting can be completed without passing through a detection platform or counting platform. Compared to conveyors with detection platforms or counting platforms, the length is reduced, the structure is simple, and space is saved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application for the invention patent with application number: 201910325651.0, invention name: A method and device for efficiently distributing discrete items, and application date: April 22, 2019. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of discrete item distribution, and in particular to an efficient distribution method and distribution device for discrete items. Background Art

[0003] It is often necessary to dispense discrete items in the form of granules, flakes, or small pieces into batches of known quantities. Examples include dispensing tablets, pills, capsules, seeds, candies, or the like into bottles, bags, or other containers.

[0004] Because the items are put into containers after being counted, any damage caused by collision during supply, foreign objects, or inherently defective items need to be detected during the counting process.

[0005] In some dispensing tasks, a completed container must not contain less than a predetermined number of items. For example, when dispensing certain pills, a complete treatment cycle may have to be provided, so at least a predetermined number of items must be provided in each container.

[0006] On the other hand, the items being dispensed may be expensive, so if too many containers contain more than a predetermined amount of the item, it increases production costs for the supplier or packaging organization of the item.

[0007] In many dispensing machines, items are transported along a conveyor and are divided into multiple single files that fall at the end of the conveyor and are collected in a container. During the falling process, the items in each file are counted one by one by a photoelectric sensor. When a predetermined number is reached, the items are prevented from falling into the container by a channel physically separating each file. Such a mechanism is inherently inefficient because the items are divided into multiple single files on the conveyor, and the number of items that can be transported within a certain conveying area is necessarily less than that without dividing the items into single files. At the same time, a certain distance must be maintained between the files to install the photoelectric sensors and physical separation mechanism mentioned above.

[0008] US Patent No. 6,659,304 to Geltser et al., entitled "Cartridge for a System for Feeding, Counting and Dispensing Discrete Articles," discloses a high capacity cartridge for an article counting and dispensing system including, inter alia, structure for feeding discrete articles in a single file toward an outlet opening.

[0009] An application entitled “Method and Apparatus for Distributing Items”, publication number CN103129783A, discloses operating a conveyor to convey a plurality of items toward an imaging device, wherein the items are arranged in a single layer and at least some of the items are conveyed in parallel; operating the imaging device to continuously capture images of an area directly below an end of the conveyor such that items dropped from the conveyor are recorded in the images while on track; and processing the images in real time to continuously determine the number of dropped items.

[0010] Existing methods for visually counting objects capture and count images as they fall from a conveyor. However, because objects move in varying orientations during their fall, reliably detecting their size and shape is impossible. Furthermore, because the imaging area is located during the falling process, it requires additional vertical height, increasing the overall height of the device and making it inconvenient to operate.

[0011] Another problem is that imaging and counting only begin after the items leave the conveyor. When the conveyor stops, some items will continue to fall due to inertia. The system needs to wait for a while to determine whether the items have completely stopped. In this way, the time interval between the two start-stop cycles is also longer, and the production capacity of the entire system is relatively reduced.

[0012] Chinese invention patent CN201420130214.6 describes a method for synchronously counting and detecting items using a counting platform, and achieving a target number by using an initial allocation and a compensation amount. However, because the items often need to travel a certain distance after falling from the conveyor to the counting platform to stabilize their movement before an image can be taken, the space occupied by the mechanism is relatively large. At the same time, the items within this distance are not monitored by the system. The random range of items that continue to enter the counting area after the conveyor stops also expands, and the subsequent compensation required will be greater, and the efficiency of the entire system will be lower.

[0013] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a distribution method and a distribution device with higher efficiency, simpler structure, and more space saving. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the problems existing in the prior art and provide a distribution method with higher efficiency, simpler structure and more space saving.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to overcome the problems existing in the prior art and provide a dispensing device with higher efficiency, simpler structure, and more space-saving.

[0016] The technical solutions of the present invention are as follows:

[0017] An efficient allocation method for discrete items, comprising

[0018] Drive the conveyor to move periodically, transporting the items in a single layer to the end of the conveyor; each time the conveyor starts and stops is a start-stop cycle;

[0019] The items output by the conveyor in one start-stop cycle form at least one separate item pile, and the number of items in each item pile is accurately counted;

[0020] Continuously capture images of an imaging area located at the end of the conveyor. The imaging area is located before the end of the conveyor and across the conveying direction of the conveyor. Each item passes through the imaging area and is imaged at least once before being discharged. When the item leaves the imaging area, it also leaves the conveyor.

[0021] Process the acquired images in real time to determine the number of items to be output;

[0022] Find a combination of item piles, each combination of item piles has the same number of items as the target number, and distribute a combination of item piles.

[0023] By driving each conveyor in a group of parallel conveyors, the items are moved in a single layer on each conveyor to the end of the conveyor and output by the conveyor. Each conveyor outputs a pile of items in one start-stop cycle.

[0024] The start and stop cycles of each conveyor are controlled independently.

[0025] The start and stop cycle of a conveyor is different from the previous start and stop cycle of the conveyor.

[0026] The output end of the conveyor is separated to form an item output channel. In each start-stop cycle, each channel outputs a pile of items, and the item piles output by adjacent channels do not interfere with each other.

[0027] Each object passing through the imaging area is completely imaged at least once.

[0028] The image of the object in the image is compared with the image of the preset object to determine the comparison result. If the comparison result is inconsistent, the object is recorded and removed.

[0029] If the image of the object in the image is different from the preset image of the object in any of the shape, color, and size requirements, it is determined that the comparison result is inconsistent.

[0030] Each item pile is received by an independent temporary storage device, and when a combined item pile is found, the items in the combined item pile are collected and output to a container.

[0031] When a combined item pile cannot be found, a new item pile is received by an empty temporary register, and a combined item pile is continuously searched for in all temporary registers of existing items.

[0032] When a combined item pile cannot be found, a temporary register with existing items receives a new item pile. The number of items in the temporary register is the sum of the original item pile and the new item pile, and the search for a combined item pile continues in all temporary registers with item piles.

[0033] When a combined item pile cannot be found, all items in one buffer are transferred to another buffer. The emptied buffer receives a new item pile. The new number of items in the buffer that receives the transferred items is the sum of the number of its original items and the number of transferred items. The search for a combined item pile continues among all buffers that contain items.

[0034] When a combined item pile cannot be found, a combined item pile with a total number of items less than the target number is selected, all items in the temporary register of the combined item pile are released to the container, and the items equal to the target number are allocated to the container.

[0035] When the number of items in a buffer exceeds the target quantity, the items in the buffer are released into a container, and the container is removed.

[0036] Therein, containers are continuously supplied to the dispensing station to receive the collected output items.

[0037] Among them, when the previous container leaves the distribution station and the next container has not yet arrived at the distribution station, the collected items are temporarily stored.

[0038] Among them, an inertial output section is set at the exit section of the imaging area of ​​each conveyor. The items in the inertial output section will be discharged after the conveyor stops. When the sum of the number of items discharged plus the number of items in the inertial output section and the number of items in one or more temporary storage devices reaches the target number, the conveyor stops.

[0039] The length direction of the imaging area includes an input side boundary and an output side boundary. The input side boundary is set on the conveyor, and the output side boundary is set before the end line of the conveyor. The distance between the output side boundary and the end line of the conveyor is less than the shortest distance between the center of gravity of the item and its edge. The distance between the input side boundary and the output side boundary is greater than the maximum length of the item. Before being output, each item passes through the imaging area and is imaged at least once. When the item leaves the imaging area, it also leaves the conveyor.

[0040] The length direction of the imaging area includes an input side boundary and an output side boundary. The input side boundary is set on the conveyor, and the output side boundary coincides with the end line of the conveyor. The distance between the input side boundary and the output side boundary is greater than the maximum length of the item. Before being output, each item passes through the imaging area and is imaged at least once. When the item leaves the imaging area, it also leaves the conveyor.

[0041] The imaging area includes an input side boundary and an output side boundary in its longitudinal direction. The input side boundary is set on the conveyor, and the output side boundary is set outside the end line of the conveyor. The distance between the input side boundary and the output side boundary is greater than the maximum length of the item. Each item passes through the imaging area and is imaged at least once before being output, and the item also leaves the conveyor when it leaves the imaging area.

[0042] Another technical solution of the present invention:

[0043] A dispensing device for a method of dispensing discrete items with a compact structure,

[0044] It includes a feed silo for storing items and continuously supplying items to the conveyor;

[0045] Conveyors are used to flatten items into a single layer for transport and form individual piles when outputting;

[0046] An imaging device for continuously capturing images of objects passing through the imaging area of ​​the conveyor;

[0047] The central processing and control platform is used to process the images obtained by the imaging device in real time to calculate the number of objects passing through the imaging area, and detect and judge the images of the objects.

[0048] The imaging area is set before the end of the conveyor and across the conveying direction of the conveyor. The length and width of the imaging area are set so that each passing item is imaged at least once. When each item completely leaves the imaging area, it also leaves the conveyor.

[0049] Container, used to receive items output by the conveyor.

[0050] It also includes a temporary storage and a collector connected to the temporary storage. Each temporary storage receives a pile of items. When a combined pile of items is found, the pile of items is transported to the container through the collector.

[0051] Wherein, a gate is provided at the output end of the collector to open or close the collector to output items.

[0052] Wherein, a gate is provided at the output end of the temporary storage device to control the output or temporary storage of the pile of items in the temporary storage device.

[0053] There are multiple conveyors arranged side by side, and the start and stop cycles of each conveyor are individually controlled.

[0054] The output end of the conveyor is provided with a partition, which divides the output end of the conveyor into a plurality of independent conveying channels that do not interfere with each other. In each start-stop cycle of the conveyor, each channel outputs a pile of items.

[0055] The spacings between the partitions are different, that is, the widths of the multiple conveying channels are different.

[0056] Among them, a container conveying line is provided for continuously conveying containers to the output end of the collector, and a diversion swing gate is provided at the outlet of the collecting channel to divert two consecutive released piles of items into two different containers.

[0057] The conveying surface of the conveyor is provided with a plurality of channels parallel to the conveying direction.

[0058] Wherein, the cross section of the channel is V-shaped.

[0059] Beneficial effects:

[0060] An efficient allocation method for discrete items, comprising

[0061] The conveyor is driven to move periodically to convey the items in a single layer to the end of the conveyor; each time the conveyor starts and stops is a start-stop cycle; the items output by the conveyor in one start-stop cycle form at least one separate item pile, and the number of items in each item pile is accurately counted; a capturing area located at the end of the conveyor is continuously imaged, and the imaging area is set before the end of the conveyor and across the conveying direction of the conveyor. Before being output, each item passes through the imaging area and is imaged at least once, and the item also leaves the conveyor when leaving the imaging area; the captured images are processed in real time to determine the number of items output; a combined item pile is found, and the number of items in each combined item pile is the same as the target number, and a combined item pile is distributed to a container.

[0062] (1) The present invention sets the imaging area at the output section of the conveyor. The items are supported by the conveyor and have a stable orientation, which facilitates the detection of the shape and size of the items after visual imaging. By using the imaging area across the conveyor, imaging and counting can be completed without passing through a detection platform or a counting platform. Compared with conveyors with detection platforms or counting platforms, the length is reduced, the structure is simple, and space is saved.

[0063] (2) Since it is not necessary to capture images when the items fall, the imaging area does not occupy vertical height, and the height of the entire device is reduced, making operation more convenient. At the same time, the drop from the item leaving the conveyor to the container is also reduced, reducing the impact of the items, speeding up the time it takes to collect the items in the container, and improving distribution efficiency.

[0064] (3) The objects on the conveyor move slowly and steadily, so the length of the imaging area required to capture a complete image of an object can be shorter. Compared to setting the imaging area after the object leaves the conveyor, the object moves faster and faster due to gravity acceleration during its fall. The imaging area required to capture a complete image of the object for counting or shape detection will be longer, and the central control system will need to process more image information, which will reduce the overall efficiency. The method of the present invention can effectively speed up the image processing time, thereby improving the allocation efficiency.

[0065] (4) The items have been imaged and monitored before leaving the conveyor. When the conveyor stops, although the items will continue to move and be output due to inertia, the system is aware of the movement and stop status of the items at the conveyor outlet in real time. The system can determine the stop output of the items more quickly. In this way, the time interval between the two start and stop cycles will be shorter, and the efficiency of the entire system will be improved accordingly.

[0066] (5) The items have been imaged and monitored before leaving the conveyor, so the system can pre-estimate the number of items that will be output due to inertia after the conveyor stops, thereby more accurately controlling the size of the item pile to increase the chance of successfully finding a combined item pile. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a distribution device with a diversion swing gate according to the present invention.

[0068] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a distribution device of the present invention from another viewing angle.

[0069] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of a side-by-side conveyor of a distribution device of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of a two-level temporary storage space of a distribution device of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the distribution structure of the side-by-side conveyors of a distribution device of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of a channel conveyor of a distribution device of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of a channel conveyor of a distribution device of the present invention from another perspective.

[0074] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of a channel conveyor of a distribution device of the present invention from another perspective.

[0075] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the channel dividing mechanism of a distribution device of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 10 It is a distribution schematic diagram of a lane dividing mechanism of a distribution device of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 11 It is a structural schematic diagram of a channel dividing mechanism of a distribution device of the present invention from another perspective.

[0078] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the imaging area of ​​a method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to the present invention.

[0079] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a second imaging area of ​​a method for efficiently allocating discrete items according to the present invention.

[0080] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the third imaging area of ​​the efficient distribution method of discrete items of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the inertial output area of ​​the efficient distribution method of discrete items of the present invention.

[0082] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0083] 1 - conveyor, 101 - channel, 102 - channel separation mechanism;

[0084] 2 - imaging device, 201 - imaging area;

[0085] 3 – items;

[0086] 4 - register, 401 - register gate, 402 - first level register, 403 - second level register;

[0087] 5 - collector, 501 - collector gate;

[0088] 6 – container;

[0089] 7 - diversion device, 701 - diversion plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0091] Example 1

[0092] An efficient allocation method for discrete items, e.g. Figures 1 to 15 Shown, including

[0093] Drive the conveyor to move periodically, transporting the items in a single layer to the end of the conveyor; each time the conveyor starts and stops is a start-stop cycle;

[0094] The items output by the conveyor in one start-stop cycle form at least one separate item pile, and the number of items in each item pile is accurately counted;

[0095] Continuously capture images of an imaging area located at the end of the conveyor. The imaging area is located before the end of the conveyor and across the conveying direction of the conveyor. Each item passes through the imaging area and is imaged at least once before being discharged. When the item leaves the imaging area, it also leaves the conveyor.

[0096] The acquired images are processed in real time to determine the number of items to be output.

[0097] Find a combination of item piles, each with the same number of items as the target number, and distribute the combined item piles to the container.

[0098] The periodic motion of the conveyor of the present invention means that the conveyor drives the conveyor to transport articles with two actions of conveyor start and conveyor stop as one cycle. The periodic motion can separate the article flow to form article piles.

[0099] The imaging and counting method of the present invention tracks the position of each object in each frame of the image captured as it passes through the imaging area. When the object's image disappears from the captured image, the count is incremented. Assuming the object length is L, the imaging area length is W, the imaging frequency is f, and the object speed is V, the condition for an object to be imaged at least once when passing through the imaging area is:

[0100] W>V / f

[0101] The condition for an object to be completely imaged at least once is,

[0102] W>(V / f)+L

[0103] If an item completely leaves the imaging area and the distance between the exit end of the imaging area and the exit end of the conveyor is small enough (less than the minimum distance between the center of gravity of the item and the edge of the item), the center of gravity of the item will leave the conveyor surface, and gravity will automatically cause the item to leave the conveyor. Therefore, regardless of whether the conveyor is driving or stopped, the number of items that completely leave the imaging area is equal to the number of items output by the conveyor.

[0104] When the conveyor outputs a pile of items, precise counting is sufficient, rather than precise control of the number of items being output. This allows for faster output. The number of items in a pile is random, and by finding a combination of piles, the randomness cancels out, allowing a combination of piles with a total number of items equal to the target number to be found. The more piles with known numbers in the process, the greater the probability of finding a correct combination.

[0105] During the conveying process, the items are always laid out in a single layer. The conveyor outputs at least one stack of items in each cycle. When more than one stack of items needs to be output, the following method is used to achieve this:

[0106] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown in Figure 1, multiple conveyors are arranged side by side to transport items. Each conveyor corresponds to a set of temporary storage devices. The items delivered by each conveyor during each start-stop cycle are received by one of the corresponding temporary storage devices. Each temporary storage device containing items is marked with the number of items in the stored pile. Based on the target number of items, the controller finds one or more temporary storage devices that exactly meet the target number of items. The controller then releases the piles of items from the temporary storage devices into a container via a collector, completing the distribution process. The number of items in the temporary storage device that has released the pile is reset to zero, and the device continues to receive new piles of items.

[0107] Multiple conveyors are arranged side by side, each with its own independently controlled start / stop cycle. The start / stop cycle of each conveyor is different from the previous one. Each time a conveyor is activated, the size range of the output pile is roughly controlled by varying the length of its start / stop time. This, in turn, complementarily controls the size range of the newly output pile based on the current distribution of items in all buffers, thereby increasing the probability of finding a combination and improving distribution efficiency.

[0108] Under the condition that the number of buffers corresponding to each conveyor is limited, a buffer containing a pile of items can continue to receive new piles of items to improve conveying efficiency and the probability of finding a combined pile of items. After a buffer containing existing items receives a new pile of items, the number of items marked on it is the sum of the number of items previously marked and the number of items in the newly received pile of items. When the number of marked items is greater than the target number, the buffer is considered to have overflowed and needs to be eliminated. Overflow is a loss of the allocation efficiency of the entire system. If the start and stop of conveyors can be controlled independently, a conveyor can be paused to output items until there is an empty buffer in its corresponding group of buffers to avoid overflow.

[0109] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown in Figure 2, the conveyor output section is separated to form item output channels. During each start-stop cycle, each channel outputs a single item pile, and the item piles output by adjacent channels do not interfere with each other. Each output channel corresponds to a set of temporary registers. During each start-stop cycle, the item pile output by each channel is received by one of the corresponding temporary registers. By separating the item output channels on a single conveyor, multiple item piles can be output, thereby improving the efficiency of finding combinations.

[0110] The present invention can further provide an article output channel that is a single-row article output channel, which can conveniently make the articles stand out in the image and improve the accuracy of recognition and detection.

[0111] Imaging area: Every object passing through the imaging area is fully imaged at least once.

[0112] The image of the object in the image is compared with the image of the preset object to determine the comparison result. If the comparison result is inconsistent, the object is recorded and removed.

[0113] The object rejection of the present invention can be achieved by directly rejecting the unqualified object, or by using a rejection channel to reject the object when the conveyor outputs the object, or by rejecting the entire container to which the object pile finally accumulates.

[0114] If the image of the object in the image is different from the preset image of the object in any of the shape, color, and size requirements, the comparison result is determined to be inconsistent.

[0115] Each stack of items is received by a separate temporary storage unit. When a combined stack is found, the items in that stack are collected and output to a container. This container is continuously supplied to the distribution station to receive the collected items. The collected items are temporarily stored when the previous container leaves the distribution station but the next container has not yet arrived.

[0116] During the transportation process, continuous containers may appear to have been allocated but have not yet reached the output position. At this time, the temporary storage function can be used to temporarily store the collected items. That is, when the container has not yet reached the output position, the system continues to allocate the next target number of items, avoiding the time wasted by waiting until the container is in place before allocation.

[0117] The present invention also has different allocation methods when no combination can be found, specifically:

[0118] 1. When a combined item pile cannot be found, an empty temporary register receives a new item pile and continues searching for a combined item pile in all the temporary registers containing existing items. By increasing the number of item piles, the probability of finding a combined item pile is increased.

[0119] 2. If a matching stack cannot be found, a buffer containing existing items receives a new stack. The number of items in this buffer is the sum of the original and the new stack. The system then continues searching for a matching stack in all buffers containing items. The summed number is used to determine the number of items in the stacks, and a new combination is then obtained.

[0120] 3. When a combined item pile cannot be found, all items in one buffer are transferred to another buffer. The emptied buffer receives a new item pile. The new number of items in the buffer that receives the transferred items is the sum of the number of its original items and the number of items transferred. Continue to search for a combined item pile among all buffers containing items.

[0121] 4. When a combined item pile cannot be found, select a combined item pile with a total number of items less than the target number, release all items in the temporary register of this combination into the container, and allocate the same number of items as the target number to the container.

[0122] The difference between the total number of items selected and the target number is between 1% and 10% of the target number. Of course, other proportions are also possible, and it is generally between 1 and 10 items.

[0123] When the number of items that differs between the combined item pile and the target number is found, the allocation of the items that differ from the target number to the container is achieved through the following two methods:

[0124] 1. Set up a compensation conveyor, which can output single items to make up for the difference in items.

[0125] 2. Set the difference in the number of items as the new target number. The new target number is the original target number minus the number of items that have been allocated. Based on the new target number, search for a combined item pile in the temporary storage of existing items. When a combined item pile is found, allocate the combined item pile. If a combined item pile cannot be found, set the difference in the number of items as the new target number and continue searching for combinations until the original target number of items has been allocated to the container.

[0126] like Figure 12 As shown, the imaging area of ​​the present invention includes the following method to achieve counting; the length direction of the imaging area includes an input side boundary and an output side boundary, the input side boundary is set on the conveyor, and the output side boundary is set before the end line of the conveyor. The distance between the output side boundary and the end line of the conveyor is less than the distance between the center of gravity of the item and its shortest outer diameter, and the distance between the input side boundary and the output side boundary is greater than the maximum length of the item. Before being output, each item passes through the imaging area and is imaged at least once, and the item also leaves the conveyor when leaving the imaging area.

[0127] The imaging area is located on the conveyor surface, which can fully realize the counting function, and the image detection is convenient with high recognition rate.

[0128] like Figure 13 As shown, the imaging area of ​​the present invention can also be designed so that the input side boundary is set on the conveyor, the output side boundary coincides with the end line of the conveyor, and the distance between the input side boundary and the output side boundary is greater than the maximum length of the item. Before being output, each item passes through the imaging area and is imaged at least once, and the item leaves the conveyor when leaving the imaging area.

[0129] like Figure 14 As shown, the imaging area of ​​the present invention can also be designed so that the input side boundary is set on the conveyor, and the output side boundary is set outside the end line of the conveyor. The distance between the input side boundary and the output side boundary is greater than the maximum length of the item. Before being output, each item passes through the imaging area and is imaged at least once. When the item leaves the imaging area, it also leaves the conveyor.

[0130] The above method can greatly simplify the setting process of setting the imaging area and reduce interference during machine operation. The distance between the input side boundary and the end line of the conveyor is greater than the maximum length of the object in the present invention, so as to distinguish between two consecutive passing object images and allow a complete object image to be presented, so as to realize the detection of the shape and size of the object.

[0131] The present invention also provides a method for improving distribution efficiency by utilizing the inertial output segment:

[0132] An inertial output section is set at the exit section of the imaging area of ​​each conveyor. All items in the inertial output section will be discharged after the conveyor stops. When the sum of the number of items discharged plus the number of items in the inertial output section and the number of items in one or more temporary storage devices reaches the target number, the conveyor stops.

[0133] The inertial output section, a portion of the imaging area known as the inertial output zone, refers to the area within the conveyor's imaging zone where items continue to be discharged due to inertia when the conveyor stops during each start-stop cycle. By counting the number of items in the inertial output section in real time and adding it to the number of items already discharged, the final number of items discharged after the conveyor stops can be predicted in real time. By matching this predicted number with the number of items in the temporary register in real time, a combined item stack can be generated, thereby increasing the probability of finding a combined item stack.

[0134] Stopping the conveyor essentially stops driving it. Even after stopping, there are still two inertias: the conveyor's own inertia and the item's own inertia. The items in the inertial output section of this application include those affected by these two inertias. All items within this inertial output area are inertially output, significantly reducing the number of random outputs.

[0135] Example 2

[0136] A distribution device for the distribution method of discrete items 3 with a compact structure,

[0137] It includes a feed silo for storing objects 3 and continuously supplying objects 3 to the conveyor 1;

[0138] The conveyor 1 is used to flatten the articles 3 into a single layer for conveying, and to form individual piles of articles 3 when outputting;

[0139] An imaging device 2 for continuously capturing images of objects 3 passing through an imaging area 201 of the conveyor 1;

[0140] A central processing and control platform for processing the images captured by the imaging device 2 in real time to calculate the number of objects 3 passing through the imaging area 201 and to detect and determine the images of the objects 3;

[0141] An imaging area 201 is provided before the end of the conveyor 1 and extends across the conveying direction of the conveyor 1. The length and width of the imaging area 201 are set so that each passing object 3 is imaged at least once. When each object 3 completely leaves the imaging area 201, it also leaves the conveyor 1.

[0142] The container 6 is used to receive the articles 3 output by the conveyor 1 .

[0143] The present invention utilizes different positions of the imaging area 201 and thus does not require a traditional counting platform, thereby completing detection, counting, and distribution, with high efficiency and a small space.

[0144] The system further includes a temporary storage 4 and a collector 5 connected to the temporary storage 4 . Each temporary storage 4 receives a pile of objects. When a combined pile of objects is found, the pile of objects is transported to a container 6 via the collector 5 .

[0145] The output end of the collector 5 is provided with a collector gate 501, which is used to open or close the collector 5 to output the items 3. The collector gate 501 is electrically connected to the central processing and control platform.

[0146] The aggregator gate 501 can be used to temporarily store the items 3 of the combined item pile. When the container 6 has not yet reached the distribution station (the output end of the aggregator 5), the items 3 can be distributed and output, thereby improving the distribution efficiency of the entire machine.

[0147] The output end of the temporary storage 4 is equipped with a gate to control the output or temporary storage of the pile of items in the temporary storage 4. The temporary storage 4 includes a primary temporary storage 402 and a secondary temporary storage 403. Each temporary storage 4 corresponds to a conveyor 1 or a conveying channel, receiving items 3. The output of items 3 from the primary and secondary temporary storages 402 and 403 is controlled by a temporary storage gate 401. The temporary storage gate 401 is electrically connected to the central processing and control platform. The central processing and control platform controls the opening and closing of the temporary storage gate 401, switching between output and temporary storage modes. It also controls the transfer of items from the primary temporary storage 402 to the secondary temporary storage 403.

[0148] There are multiple conveyors 1, which are arranged side by side, and each conveyor 1 is individually controlled to start and stop cycles.

[0149] Each of the multiple conveyors 1 is equipped with a driving mechanism, which is electrically connected to the central processing and control platform. The central processing and control platform controls the start and stop time of the conveyor 1. The existing driving form is usually an electromagnetically driven vibration plate, which controls the movement state of the motor through the central processing and control platform and thus controls the start and stop cycle.

[0150] The output end of the conveyor 1 is provided with a partition, which divides the output end of the conveyor 1 into a plurality of independent conveying channels that do not interfere with each other. In each start-stop cycle of the conveyor 1, each channel outputs a pile of articles.

[0151] The lane dividing mechanism 102 includes a partition and a partition fixing mechanism, and the partition fixing mechanism fixes the partition at the output end of the conveyor 1.

[0152] The spacing between the partitions is different, that is, the width of each conveying channel is different. The different widths of the conveying channels mean that the quantity ranges of the outputted articles 3 are different, thereby maximizing the quantity diversity of the outputted article piles.

[0153] A container 6 conveying line is provided for continuously conveying containers 6 to the output end of the collector 5. The outlet of the collecting channel is provided with a diversion swing gate to divert two consecutive released article stack combinations into two different containers 6;.

[0154] The diverter device 7 is arranged between the output end of the collector 5 and the container 6, and is used to transfer the items collected by the collector 5 to two different containers 6 respectively. The containers 6 can be arranged in a single row in front and back, or in double rows in left and right. A diverter plate 701 is provided in the diverter device 7. Through the swing of the diverter plate 701, the distributed item pile flows into different distribution channels and is then transported to different containers.

[0155] The conveying surface of the conveyor 1 is provided with a plurality of channels 101 parallel to the conveying direction. The channels 101 can form the objects 3 into a single row of objects 3, so that they can be clearly identified by the imaging device 2 when passing through the imaging area 201, thereby improving the recognition efficiency. This is because some irregularly shaped objects 3 are easily staggered to form a block of objects 3 during the transmission process. After the imaging is loaded and taken, the central processing and control platform can easily identify them as a single object 3 when processing the image. The channels 101 can effectively distinguish the boundaries between the objects 3, thereby improving the recognition accuracy.

[0156] The cross section of the channel 101 is V-shaped. The channel 101 of this shape makes it easier to separate the articles into a single row and the conveyor is more effective and stable.

[0157] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An efficient distribution method for discrete items, characterized by: include Drive the conveyor to move periodically, transporting the items in a single layer to the end of the conveyor; each time the conveyor starts and stops is a start-stop cycle; The items output by the conveyor in one start-stop cycle form at least one separate item pile, and the number of items in each item pile is accurately counted; Continuously capturing images of an imaging area at the end of the conveyor. The imaging area spans the conveying direction of the conveyor. When an item leaves the imaging area, it also leaves the conveyor. Before each item leaves the conveyor, it passes through the imaging area and is imaged at least once. The imaging area includes an input side boundary and an output side boundary in its longitudinal direction. The input side boundary is set on the conveyor, and the output side boundary is set outside the conveyor end line. The distance between the input side boundary and the conveyor end line is greater than the maximum length of the item. Before being discharged, each item is imaged at least once when it is in the imaging area on the conveyor, and the item also leaves the conveyor when it leaves the imaging area. Process the acquired images in real time to determine the number of items to be output; Find a combination of item piles, each combination of item piles has the same number of items as the target number, and distribute a combination of item piles.

2. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 1, characterized in that: By driving each conveyor in a group of parallel conveyors, the objects are moved in a single layer on each conveyor to the end of the conveyor and output by the conveyor. Each conveyor outputs at least one stack of objects in one start-stop cycle.

3. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 2, wherein: Independent control of the start and stop cycles of each conveyor.

4. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 3, wherein: The start-stop cycle of a conveyor is different from the previous start-stop cycle of the conveyor.

5. The method for efficiently distributing discrete items according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The conveyor output section is separated to form multiple item output channels. Each channel outputs one item pile in each start-stop cycle, and the item piles output by adjacent channels do not interfere with each other.

6. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 1, wherein: Each object passing through the imaging area is fully imaged at least once while on the conveyor.

7. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 6, characterized in that: The image of the object in the image is compared with the image of the preset object to determine the comparison result. If the comparison result is inconsistent, the object is recorded and removed.

8. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 7, characterized in that: If the image of the object in the image is different from the preset image of the object in any of the shape, color, and size requirements, the comparison result is determined to be inconsistent.

9. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 1, wherein: Each item pile is received by an independent temporary storage device. When a combined item pile is found, all items in the temporary storage device where the combined item pile is located are collected and output to a container.

10. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the number of items in a buffer exceeds the target quantity, the items in the buffer are released into a container and the container is removed.

11. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 9, wherein: Containers are continuously supplied to the dispensing station to receive the collected output items.

12. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 11, characterized in that: When the previous container leaves the distribution station and the next container has not yet arrived at the distribution station, the collected items are temporarily stored.

13. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 9, wherein: When a combined item pile cannot be found, a new item pile is received by an empty temporary register, and the search for a combined item pile continues in all temporary registers containing items.

14. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 9, wherein: When a combined item pile cannot be found, a temporary register containing items receives a new item pile. The number of items in the temporary register is the sum of the original items and the new item pile, and the search for a combined item pile continues in all temporary registers containing items.

15. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 9, wherein: When a combined item pile cannot be found, all items in one buffer are transferred to another buffer. The emptied buffer receives a new item pile. The new number of items in the buffer that receives the transferred items is the sum of the number of its original items and the number of items transferred. Continue to search for a combined item pile among all buffers containing items.

16. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 9, wherein: When a combined item stack cannot be found, a combined item stack with a total number of items less than the target number is selected, all items in the temporary storage where the combined item stack is located are released to the container, and the difference between the target number and the item stack is allocated to the container.

17. The method for efficient distribution of discrete items according to claim 1, wherein: An inertial output section is set at the exit section of the imaging area of ​​each conveyor. All items in the inertial output section will be discharged after the conveyor stops. When the sum of the number of items discharged plus the number of items in the inertial output section and the number of items in one or more temporary storage devices reaches the target number, the conveyor stops.

18. A dispensing device using the efficient dispensing method for discrete items according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that: It includes a feed silo for storing items and continuously supplying items to the conveyor; Conveyors are used to flatten items into a single layer for transport and form individual piles when outputting; An imaging device for continuously capturing images of objects passing through the imaging area of ​​the conveyor; The central processing and control platform is used to process the images obtained by the imaging device in real time to calculate the number of objects passing through the imaging area, and detect and judge the images of the objects. The imaging area is set before the end of the conveyor and across the conveying direction of the conveyor. The length and width of the imaging area are set so that each passing item is imaged at least once. When each item completely leaves the imaging area, it also leaves the conveyor. The imaging area includes an input side boundary and an output side boundary in its longitudinal direction. The input side boundary is set on the conveyor, and the output side boundary is set outside the conveyor end line. The distance between the input side boundary and the conveyor end line is greater than the maximum length of the item. Before being discharged, each item is imaged at least once when it is in the imaging area on the conveyor, and the item also leaves the conveyor when it leaves the imaging area. Container, used to receive items output by the conveyor.

19. The efficient dispensing device for discrete items according to claim 18, characterized in that: It also includes a temporary storage and a collector connected to the temporary storage. Each temporary storage receives a pile of objects. When a combined pile of objects is found, the pile of objects is transported to the container through the collector.

20. The efficient dispensing device for discrete items according to claim 19, characterized in that: The output end of the collector is provided with a collector gate to open or close the collector to output items.

21. The efficient dispensing device for discrete items according to claim 19, characterized in that: The output end of the temporary storage is provided with a temporary storage gate to control the output or temporary storage of the pile of objects in the temporary storage.

22. The efficient dispensing device for discrete items according to claim 18, characterized in that: There are multiple conveyors arranged side by side, and each conveyor is individually controlled to start and stop cycles.

23. The efficient dispensing device for discrete items according to claim 18, characterized in that: The output end of the conveyor is provided with a partition, which divides the output end of the conveyor into a plurality of independent conveying channels that do not interfere with each other. In each start-stop cycle of the conveyor, each channel outputs a pile of articles.

24. The efficient dispensing device for discrete items according to claim 23, characterized in that: The intervals between the partitions are different from each other, that is, the widths of the multiple conveying channels are different.

25. The efficient dispensing device for discrete items according to claim 19, characterized in that: A container conveying line is provided for continuously conveying containers to the output end of the collector, and a diversion swing gate is provided at the outlet of the collecting channel to divert two consecutive released piles of items into two different containers.

26. The efficient dispensing device for discrete items according to claim 19, characterized in that: The conveying surface of the conveyor is provided with a plurality of channels parallel to the conveying direction.

27. The efficient dispensing device for discrete items according to claim 26, characterized in that: The cross section of the channel is V-shaped.

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