A VIN code detection device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of VIN code identification detection, more particularly to a kind of VIN code detection device, including rack, RFID read-write part, mechanical arm, vision camera and control part, RFID read-write part is installed in rack, two ends of mechanical arm are connected with rack and vision camera respectively, the end of mechanical arm and vision camera connection is also equipped with the illumination part that can carry out light supplement to the VIN code position of car body, illumination part is equipped with multiple, multiple illumination part is formed into annular around with vision camera as center, control part can control multiple illumination part work in turn. The VIN code detection device of the utility model carries out vision camera identification, and the image of the different shadow direction of VIN code can be obtained by the different angle illumination of multiple illumination part to VIN code, and control part will output the VIN code obtained by vision camera after the VIN code features in all VIN code images are comprehensively characterized, so that the VIN code result obtained by vision camera is more accurate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of VIN code recognition and detection, and more specifically, to a VIN code detection device. Background Technology

[0002] The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique identifier for a vehicle, serving as the basis for tracking it throughout all stages of its life, from production and sales to maintenance and eventual scrapping. During the body-in-white manufacturing process, the VIN on the vehicle body is a crucial carrier for recording production information. However, when using an RFID reader to read the VIN on the RFID tag on the vehicle body, the high temperatures, humidity, dust in the workshop, and electromagnetic interference from the metal body can easily cause reading errors or failures.

[0003] To further improve the accuracy of VIN identification, existing technologies use a visual camera to perform secondary identification of the VIN code, thereby improving the recognition accuracy. However, in practical applications, it has been found that since the VIN code of the body-in-white production information is located on the floor of the passenger side of the vehicle, the light blocking of the body-in-white can lead to insufficient light intake at this location, and the visual camera is also prone to character recognition errors or omissions when identifying the VIN code. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problem that in the prior art, after adding a vision camera to perform secondary recognition of the VIN code, the vision camera is prone to character recognition errors or omissions when recognizing the VIN code located on the passenger side floor of the vehicle. This invention provides a VIN code detection device that can avoid the problem of VIN code character recognition errors or omissions when the VIN code is recognized secondaryly by the vision camera.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A VIN code detection device is provided, including a frame, an RFID reader / writer, a robotic arm, a vision camera, and a control unit. The RFID reader / writer is installed on the frame. Both ends of the robotic arm are connected to the frame and the vision camera, respectively. The end of the robotic arm connected to the vision camera is also provided with an illumination part that can provide supplementary lighting for the VIN code position on the vehicle body. Multiple illumination parts are provided, and the multiple illumination parts are arranged in a ring around the vision camera. The control unit is connected to the RFID reader / writer unit, the robotic arm, the vision camera, and the lighting unit. The control unit can control multiple lighting units to work sequentially. The robotic arm can drive the vision camera to change its shooting position. The RFID reader / writer unit is an RFID reader / writer.

[0006] When the VIN code detection device of this invention is in operation, after the car body enters the detection range of the RFID reader / writer on the frame, the RFID reader / writer reads the VIN code from the RFID reader / writer card on the car body and sends the VIN code to the control unit. When the VIN code on the car body enters the recognition range of the vision camera, the vision camera first takes a picture of the VIN code to obtain the first VIN code image. Then, the control unit controls the illumination units surrounding the vision camera to light up sequentially. Each time an illumination unit lights up, the light emitted by the illumination unit shines on the VIN code, and the vision camera takes another picture of the VIN code under the illumination at this time to obtain the VIN code image. Because the VIN code etched on the car body has a certain depth, the shadow projection direction of the VIN code under the illumination of each illumination unit is different. After the vision camera sends all the captured photos to the control unit, the control unit extracts the VIN code character features from all the photos. Then, it performs algorithmic recognition of the VIN characters by combining the image features of each VIN character in all the images. It identifies the characters in the images by combining the character shape features and character shadow shape features. After all characters are recognized, the control unit outputs the VIN code acquired by the vision camera. Then, the control unit compares the VIN code acquired by the vision camera with the VIN code acquired by the RFID reader / writer. If they are the same, the VIN code is output. If they are different, the control unit can issue an alarm signal to the staff.

[0007] The VIN code detection device of this invention identifies the VIN code etched on the body of a white vehicle through a vision camera. After multiple illumination units illuminate the VIN code at different angles, images with different shadow directions of the VIN code can be obtained. The control unit integrates the VIN code features in all VIN code images and outputs the VIN code obtained by the vision camera, making the VIN code result obtained by the vision camera more accurate and further improving the accuracy of the device's VIN code recognition.

[0008] Furthermore, the system also includes a mounting bracket, which is fixedly mounted on the robotic arm. The mounting bracket and the vision camera are located at the same end of the robotic arm. Multiple lighting units are mounted on the mounting bracket. Along the axis of the robotic arm, the distance between the vision camera and the mounting bracket is less than the distance between the lighting units and the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is positioned so that the lighting units are in front of the vision camera, and the light emitted by the lighting units when lit can directly illuminate the VIN code without affecting the light acquisition during vision camera shooting.

[0009] Furthermore, there are four lighting units, arranged in a rectangular ring on the mounting bracket. Each lighting unit is plate-shaped, i.e., a light panel. With four lighting units positioned at the four cardinal directions of the camera, the VIN code etched on the white body is illuminated by these four lighting units, resulting in four VIN code images with different shadow directions. The control unit can then accurately extract the VIN code characters from these four images.

[0010] Furthermore, the four lighting units are, in sequence, a first light panel, a second light panel, a third light panel, and a fourth light panel. The first light panel and the third light panel have the same length, as do the second light panel and the fourth light panel, with the first light panel being longer than the second light panel. The first light panel, the second light panel, the third light panel, and the fourth light panel have the same width. Since the VIN code etched on the body-in-white is a string, and the length of the VIN code string is greater than its width, the lengths of the first and third light panels are set to be longer than the lengths of the second and fourth light panels. This allows the illumination range of the lighting units in different directions to better match the overall shape of the VIN code when the lighting units illuminate it.

[0011] Furthermore, the illumination unit is inclined on the mounting bracket, with the side of the illumination unit closest to the vision camera tilted towards the side where the vision camera is located. This inclined arrangement of the illumination unit on the mounting bracket ensures that the light rays illuminating the VIN code are also incident at an angle. This results in a larger shadow cast on the VIN code, facilitating subsequent image processing and character recognition by the algorithm.

[0012] Furthermore, the lighting unit is rotatable on the mounting bracket. This rotatability allows for adjustable tilt angles of the lighting unit on the mounting bracket, enabling more accurate illumination of the VIN code string on the vehicle body. The mounting bracket has four rotating shafts, which are sequentially connected to form a rectangular frame. The lighting unit has mounting holes through which the rotating shafts pass. The sidewall of each mounting hole has a locking hole connecting the inner cavity of the mounting hole to the outside. A locking bolt is threaded into the locking hole. After the locking bolt extends into the mounting hole, it abuts against the rotating shaft inside the mounting hole and locks the lighting unit in place on the mounting bracket.

[0013] Furthermore, the angle at which the side of the illumination unit closest to the vision camera is tilted towards the direction of the vision camera is 30°-45°. This tilt angle of the illumination unit, meaning the lamp panel is tilted at 30°-45°, results in an acute angle between the direct light emitted from the lamp panel and the axis of the vision camera. Experiments have shown that when the tilt angle of the lamp panel is between 30°-45°, the shadow cast by the VIN code character after illumination is at a larger tilt angle, making it easier for the control unit to identify the shadow shape features of the character during feature recognition.

[0014] Furthermore, the brightness of the first, second, third, and fourth light panels is adjustable. This adjustable brightness allows for supplemental lighting in different lighting environments, further increasing the clarity and accuracy of images captured by the visual camera.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes an alarm module, which is fixedly installed on the frame, and the control unit is connected to the alarm module. When the control unit compares the VIN code obtained from the visual camera with the VIN code obtained from the RFID reader and finds a difference, the control unit controls the alarm module to activate, and the alarm module issues an alarm to remind the staff to perform a secondary verification of the VIN code of the body-in-white. The alarm module can use a buzzer or a warning light to sound the alarm, or a combination of both to provide an audible and visual alarm.

[0016] Furthermore, the control unit includes an industrial computer, a switch, and a PLC controller. Both the switch and the PLC controller are connected to the industrial computer. The vision camera is connected to the switch, and the RFID reader / writer is also connected to the industrial computer. The switch can send images captured by the vision camera to the industrial computer, reducing image transmission and processing latency and improving system response speed. The industrial computer can run a vision processing program, performing image acquisition, preprocessing, algorithm analysis, and result decision-making. The vision processing program running on the industrial computer can extract characters from images and perform defect completion based on images of the same character under different lighting conditions, thereby accurately determining the character content. After receiving OK / NG information, the PLC controller controls the execution unit to operate. The execution unit includes an alarm module and a body-in-white operation module.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: The VIN code detection device of this invention identifies the VIN code etched on the body of a white vehicle through a vision camera. After multiple illumination units illuminate the VIN code at different angles, images with different shadow directions of the VIN code can be obtained. The control unit integrates the VIN code features in all VIN code images and outputs the VIN code obtained by the vision camera, making the VIN code obtained by the vision camera more accurate and further improving the accuracy of the device's VIN code recognition. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of a VIN code detection device. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the visual camera and illumination unit of a VIN code detection device; Figure 3 A photograph of a VIN code detection device with its visual camera and lighting unit mounted on a robotic arm. Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the control unit of a VIN code detection device.

[0019] In the attached diagram: 1. Frame; 2. RFID reader / writer unit; 3. Robotic arm; 4. Vision camera; 5. Control unit; 501. Industrial computer; 502. Switch; 503. PLC controller; 6. Lighting unit; 601. First light panel; 602. Second light panel; 603. Third light panel; 604. Fourth light panel; 7. Mounting bracket; 8. Body-in-white. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, representing schematic diagrams rather than actual physical objects, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] Example 1 This embodiment is a first embodiment of a VIN code detection device, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, it includes a frame 1, an RFID reader / writer 2, a robotic arm 3, a vision camera 4, and a control unit 5. The RFID reader / writer 2 is installed on the frame 1. The two ends of the robotic arm 3 are connected to the frame 1 and the vision camera 4, respectively. The end of the robotic arm 3 connected to the vision camera 4 is also provided with an illumination unit 6 that can provide supplementary lighting for the VIN code position on the vehicle body. There are multiple illumination units 6, and the multiple illumination units 6 are arranged in a ring around the vision camera 4. The control unit 5 is connected to the RFID reader / writer unit 2, the robotic arm 3, the vision camera 4, and the lighting unit 6. The control unit 5 can control multiple lighting units 6 to work sequentially. The RFID reader / writer unit 2 is an RFID reader / writer. The robotic arm 3 can drive the vision camera 4 to change the shooting position and can be a commercially available three-axis or four-axis robotic arm 3.

[0023] The working principle or process of this embodiment is as follows: In this embodiment, when the VIN code detection device is in operation, after the body-in-white 8 enters the detection range of the RFID reader / writer 2 on the frame 1, the RFID reader / writer 2 reads the VIN code from the RFID reader / writer card on the body-in-white 8 and sends the VIN code to the control unit 5. When the VIN code on the body-in-white 8 enters the recognition range of the vision camera 4, the vision camera 4 first takes a picture of the VIN code to obtain the first VIN code image. Then, the control unit 5 controls the illumination units 6 surrounding the vision camera 4 to light up sequentially. Each time an illumination unit 6 lights up, the light emitted by the illumination unit 6 illuminates the VIN code, and the vision camera 4 takes another picture of the VIN code to obtain the VIN code image under the illumination at this time. Since the VIN code etched on the body-in-white 8 has a certain depth, the shadow projection direction of the VIN code illuminated by each illumination unit 6 is different. After the vision camera 4 sends all the captured photos to the control unit 5, the control unit 5 extracts the VIN code character features from all the photos. Then, it performs algorithmic recognition of the VIN characters by combining the image features of each VIN character in all the images. It identifies the characters in the images by combining the character shape features and character shadow shape features in the images. After all characters are recognized, the control unit 5 outputs the VIN code obtained by the vision camera 4. Then, the control unit 5 compares the VIN codes obtained by the vision camera 4 and the RFID reader / writer 2. If they are the same, the control unit outputs the VIN code. If they are different, the control unit 5 can issue an alarm signal to the staff.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this embodiment are as follows: In this embodiment, when the VIN code detection device identifies the VIN code etched on the white body 8 through the vision camera 4, multiple illumination units 6 illuminate the VIN code from different angles, resulting in images with different shadow directions of the VIN code. The control unit 5 integrates the VIN code features in all the VIN code images and outputs the VIN code acquired by the vision camera 4, making the VIN code result acquired by the vision camera 4 more accurate and further improving the accuracy of the device's VIN code recognition.

[0025] Example 2 This embodiment is a second embodiment of a VIN code detection device, such as... Figures 1-2 As shown, this embodiment further defines the configuration of the lighting unit 6 based on Embodiment 1.

[0026] Specifically, it also includes a mounting frame 7, which is fixedly mounted on the robotic arm 3. The mounting frame 7 and the vision camera 4 are located at the same end of the robotic arm 3. Multiple lighting units 6 are mounted on the mounting frame 7. Along the axis of the robotic arm 3, the distance between the vision camera 4 and the frame 1 is less than the distance between the lighting units 6 and the frame 1.

[0027] Specifically, there are four lighting units 6, which are arranged in a rectangular ring on the mounting bracket 7. The four lighting units 6 are, in order, a first lamp panel 601, a second lamp panel 602, a third lamp panel 603, and a fourth lamp panel 604. The first lamp panel 601, the second lamp panel 602, the third lamp panel 603, and the fourth lamp panel 604 have the same width. The first lamp panel 601 and the third lamp panel 603 have the same length, and the second lamp panel 602 and the fourth lamp panel 604 have the same length. The length of the first lamp panel 601 is greater than the length of the second lamp panel 602.

[0028] Specifically, the lighting unit 6 is tilted on the mounting bracket 7 and can rotate on the mounting bracket 7. The side of the lighting unit 6 closest to the vision camera 4 is tilted towards the side where the vision camera 4 is located. The mounting bracket 7 is provided with four rotating shafts, which are connected in sequence to form a rectangular frame. The lighting unit 6 is provided with mounting holes through which the rotating shafts can pass. The side wall of the mounting hole is provided with a locking hole that connects the inner cavity of the mounting hole to the outside. A locking bolt is threaded into the locking hole. After the locking bolt extends into the mounting hole, it abuts against the rotating shaft in the mounting hole and locks in place, thus fixing the lighting unit 6 on the mounting bracket 7.

[0029] Specifically, the side of the lighting unit 6 closest to the vision camera 4 is tilted at an angle of 30°-45° towards the direction of the vision camera 4. That is, the tilt angle of the lamp panel is 30°-45°, and the acute angle between the direct light emitted by the lamp panel and the axis of the vision camera 4 is 30°-45°.

[0030] Specifically, the brightness of the first lamp panel 601, the second lamp panel 602, the third lamp panel 603, and the fourth lamp panel 604 can all be adjusted.

[0031] The beneficial effects of this embodiment are as follows: The mounting bracket 7 positions the illumination unit 6 in front of the vision camera 4, ensuring that the light emitted by the illumination unit 6 directly illuminates the VIN code without affecting the light acquisition during image capture by the vision camera 4. The VIN code etched on the body-in-white 8, illuminated by the four illumination units 6, produces four VIN code images with different shadow directions. The control unit 5 can accurately extract the VIN code characters from these four images. By setting the lengths of the first and third light panels 601 and 603 to be longer than the second and fourth light panels 602 and 604, the illumination range of the illumination units 6 at different positions better matches the overall shape of the VIN code when it illuminates it. The illumination unit 6 is tilted on the mounting bracket 7, causing the light from the illumination unit 6 to also enter the VIN code at an angle. This results in larger shadows on the VIN code, facilitating subsequent image processing and character recognition by the algorithm. The illumination unit 6 can rotate on the mounting bracket 7, meaning its tilt angle on the bracket 7 is adjustable. This allows the illumination unit 6 to more accurately illuminate the VIN code string on the body-in-white 8. When the tilt angle of the light panel is between 30° and 45°, the shadow cast by the VIN code characters after illumination is at a larger tilt angle, making it easier for the control unit 5 to identify the shadow shape features during feature recognition. The brightness of the light panel is adjustable, allowing for supplementary lighting in different lighting environments, further increasing the clarity and accuracy of images captured by the vision camera 4.

[0032] Example 3 This embodiment is a third embodiment of a VIN code detection device, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment further defines other structures of the device based on Embodiment 1.

[0033] Specifically, it also includes an alarm module, which is fixedly installed on the rack 1, and the control unit 5 is connected to the alarm module. The alarm module includes a buzzer and a warning light.

[0034] Specifically, the control unit 5 includes an industrial computer 501, a switch 502, and a PLC controller 503. The switch 502 and the PLC controller 503 are both connected to the industrial computer 501. The vision camera 4 is connected to the switch, and the RFID reader / writer 2 is connected to the industrial computer 501.

[0035] The beneficial effects of this embodiment are as follows: When the control unit 5 compares the VIN code obtained from the vision camera 4 with the VIN code obtained from the RFID reader / writer 2 and finds that they are different, the control unit 5 can control the alarm module to issue an alarm to remind the staff to perform a second check on the VIN code of the white body 8.

[0036] In the specific implementation of the above embodiments, the technical features can be combined in any non-contradictory way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the above technical features are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features is not contradictory, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0037] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating this utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A VIN code detection device, characterized in that, The system includes a frame (1), an RFID reader / writer (2), a robotic arm (3), a vision camera (4), and a control unit (5). The RFID reader / writer (2) is mounted on the frame (1). The two ends of the robotic arm (3) are connected to the frame (1) and the vision camera (4) respectively. The end of the robotic arm (3) connected to the vision camera (4) is also provided with an illumination unit (6) that can provide supplementary lighting for the VIN code position on the vehicle body. There are multiple illumination units (6), and the multiple illumination units (6) are arranged in a ring around the vision camera (4) as the center. The control unit (5) is connected to the RFID reader / writer unit (2), the robotic arm (3), the vision camera (4) and the lighting unit (6). The control unit (5) can control multiple lighting units (6) to work in sequence.

2. The VIN code detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting bracket (7), which is fixedly mounted on the robotic arm (3). The mounting bracket (7) and the vision camera (4) are located at the same end of the robotic arm (3). Multiple lighting units (6) are mounted on the mounting bracket (7). Along the axis of the robotic arm (3), the distance between the vision camera (4) and the frame (1) is less than the distance between the lighting unit (6) and the frame (1).

3. The VIN code detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are four lighting units (6), which are arranged in a rectangular ring on the mounting bracket (7).

4. The VIN code detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The four lighting units (6) are, in order, a first lamp plate (601), a second lamp plate (602), a third lamp plate (603), and a fourth lamp plate (604). The first lamp plate (601) and the third lamp plate (603) have the same length, the second lamp plate (602) and the fourth lamp plate (604) have the same length, and the length of the first lamp plate (601) is greater than the length of the second lamp plate (602).

5. A VIN code detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lighting unit (6) is inclined on the mounting bracket (7), and the side of the lighting unit (6) closest to the vision camera (4) is inclined in the direction of the vision camera (4).

6. A VIN code detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lighting unit (6) is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket (7).

7. A VIN code detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The angle at which the side of the lighting unit (6) closest to the vision camera (4) is tilted toward the direction of the vision camera (4) is 30°-45°.

8. A VIN code detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The brightness of the first lamp panel (601), the second lamp panel (602), the third lamp panel (603), and the fourth lamp panel (604) is adjustable.

9. A VIN code detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an alarm module, which is fixedly installed on the frame (1), and the control unit (5) is connected to the alarm module.

10. A VIN code detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit (5) includes an industrial computer (501), a switch (502) and a PLC controller (503). The switch (502) and the PLC controller (503) are both connected to the industrial computer (501). The vision camera (4) is connected to the switch (502). The RFID reader / writer (2) is connected to the industrial computer (501).

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