Depth Camera Detection for Overlapped Package Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection systems struggle to accurately identify overlapping packages of varying sizes and shapes in a conveyance system, particularly when packages are thick and irregularly shaped, as they rely on methods that are ineffective for such non-standard forms.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus comprising an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a detection unit that acquires height information and determines the presence of steps or overlaps by analyzing height images, using threshold values and plane detection methods to differentiate between packages and conveyance surface, thereby accurately detecting overlapped packages regardless of size, shape, or orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If outline extraction method is used for detection, then detection is simple for thin rectangular packages, but detection accuracy deteriorates for thick and irregularly shaped postal items
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from 2D outline extraction to 3D height information measurement. By using a depth camera to capture height data at multiple points, the system can accurately detect overlapping packages regardless of their shape or thickness, resolving the limitation of the outline extraction method for irregularly shaped items
2Ease of operation
If manual separating work is performed, then labor intensive processes are avoided, but productivity decreases due to manual operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual mechanical separating work with an automated detection system using depth cameras and image processing. The system automatically identifies overlapping packages and controls the singulator to separate them, eliminating manual labor while maintaining high processing speed through automated decision-making algorithms
3Extent of automation
If conveyor flow rate changing is used for package separation, then automated singulation is achieved, but separation completeness deteriorates for certain package configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a feedback mechanism where the detection apparatus continuously monitors package positions and overlap states, and the control unit adjusts the singulator operation based on this real-time feedback. This closed-loop control ensures complete separation by making adjustments based on actual detection results, resolving the incomplete separation issue
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a detection apparatus (10) includes an acquisition unit (101), a determination unit (102) and a detection unit (103). The acquisition unit (101) acquires height information at a plurality of points in a subject. The determination unit (102) determines whether or not one or more steps are present at a height equal to or higher than a predetermined height from a reference in the subject based on the height information. The detection unit (103) detects that the subject is in a state in which a plurality of objects are overlapped, if the number of the steps is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.