Conveyor Unit Camera Alignment for Relative Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor devices for conveying loaded or unloaded load carriers face challenges in accurately determining the relative alignment and angular misalignments between conveyor units, often relying on complex and expensive optical systems that are prone to errors and damage.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor device design that uses a camera to detect features or feature combinations on a surface, allowing for determination of relative position and alignment without the need for high-resolution imaging, using floor rollers for movement and potentially incorporating a projection device to project features for position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex optical systems such as laser measuring systems are used to determine the exact relative position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of features on the conveyor unit, creating a visual copy of the feature's position and orientation. This image-based copying approach replaces complex laser measuring systems while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for the application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a standard camera and simple visual features instead of expensive, fragile optical measuring systems. The camera and feature combination is much cheaper and more robust, accepting that the system is simpler and sufficient for the task at hand
2Measurement precision
If optical measuring systems are used in conveyor skids that run under Euro pallets, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to dirt and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dirt-resistant visual features that can be easily detected by the camera. Instead of being vulnerable to contamination like laser systems, the visual features approach accepts that the environment is dirty but uses imaging technology that is inherently more resistant to such conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical laser measuring systems with an imaging-based detection system. The camera captures visual information about feature positions and orientations, substituting complex optical measurement mechanics with simpler image processing
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution cameras are used to detect feature extents, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses features with specific local geometric properties (known extensions in direction of travel and perpendicular direction) that can be accurately measured even with standard camera resolution. The feature design itself provides the precision needed, rather than relying on high-resolution imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from using high-resolution cameras to using standard cameras with carefully designed visual features. By controlling the feature geometry and using the known extensions in specific directions, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision without requiring high-resolution imaging capabilities
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and robust method for determining the relative position and alignment of conveyor units, reducing the risk of errors and damage, while maintaining accuracy for the operation of conveyor devices.
Implementation Method 1
a camera (24) for capturing an image of a feature (26) or a feature combination provided on a surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a conveying apparatus for conveying laden or unladen load carriers, having a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit, wherein each conveying unit can be displaced on ground-level rollers and the first and the second conveying units can be moved relative to one another and independently of one another. According to the invention, a device is provided for determining the position and the location of the first conveying unit relative to the second conveying unit, the device having a camera, which is arranged on the first conveying unit, and having a feature arranged on the second conveying unit, or a combination of features arranged on the second conveying unit, wherein the feature or the combination of features has an extent in the direction of travel and an extent perpendicular to the direction of travel, wherein the extents can be sensed by the camera. The invention also relates to a conveying unit for a conveying apparatus.