Cargo Handling Control Using Image and Distance-Based Grasp Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo-handling technologies require improvements in transport efficiency, as they often struggle with accurately grasping and transporting articles without causing damage or increasing transport time.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that utilizes a holding unit with suction capabilities, combined with image-capturing and distance measurement sensors, to accurately calculate and stabilize the grasp of articles based on precise positional and dimensional data, allowing for efficient transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the holding unit moves at high speed to improve transport efficiency, then productivity increases, but the risk of article damage increases due to inaccurate surface position calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical position sensing methods with optical measurement systems (imaging units and distance measurement sensors) to detect article surface positions. This substitution enables non-contact, high-precision measurement that does not interfere with the holding unit's movement speed, allowing high-speed transport while maintaining accurate position detection to prevent article damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation process that combines imaging data and distance measurement data to derive accurate surface position information. This intermediary step processes the raw sensor data to calculate precise position coordinates, enabling the holding unit to adjust its movement and grasping force accordingly, thus preventing damage while maintaining high transport speed.
2Reliability
If the holding unit moves at low speed to prevent article damage, then reliability improves, but transport time increases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the article surface position using imaging and distance measurement data before the holding unit makes contact or moves close to the article. This advance knowledge of the exact surface position allows the holding unit to approach at high speed and then make precise, controlled adjustments only when necessary, minimizing both transport time and risk of damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the holding unit's movement based on calculated surface position data. The system determines optimal movement trajectories and speeds in real-time, allowing high-speed transport when safe and slower, more precise movement only when接近ing or contacting the article surface, thus balancing reliability and productivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and calculation processes are added to improve position accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging unit serve multiple functions: it captures images for visual identification of articles and simultaneously provides data for calculating surface positions when combined with distance measurement data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, maintaining measurement precision while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the imaging unit and distance measurement sensor into an integrated measurement system that works together to determine surface position. By combining these sensors and their data processing functions into a unified system rather than separate independent systems, the patent achieves high measurement precision while controlling overall device complexity through shared processing infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances transport efficiency by stabilizing article grasp and reducing the risk of damage during transport, while optimizing movement speed and accuracy of positioning.
Implementation Method 1
an image-capturing unit (13), and a distance measurement sensor (15)... The image-capturing unit (13) is configured to capture an image of the article
Implementation Method 2
The distance measurement sensor (15) is configured to measure a distance to the article
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a control device (60) configured to control a cargo-handling device (1). The cargo-handling device (1) includes a holding unit (10), an image-capturing unit (13), and a distance measurement sensor (15). The holding unit (10) is configured to hold an article. The image-capturing unit (13) is configured to capture an image of the article in a first direction (Z). The distance measurement sensor (15) is configured to measure a distance to the article in a second direction (X) crossing the first direction (Z). The device is configured to select a first article to be held based on an imaging result by the image-capturing unit (13). The device is further configured to calculate, based on a measurement result by the distance measurement sensor (15), a position of a first face of the first article crossing the first direction (Z) and a position of a second face of the first article crossing the second direction (X). The device is further configured to cause the holding unit (10) to hold the first article in accordance with the calculated position of the first face and the calculated position of the second face.