Distributed Printing for Automated Robotic Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized label printing in automated robotic sorting and packing systems is inefficient and prone to errors, as labels must be manually matched with remote bin locations, leading to potential misplacement of items and incorrect shipping addresses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed printing system where small printers are placed adjacent to each bin, eliminating the need for manual label matching by printing labels immediately adjacent to the corresponding items, and utilizing a unique communication method that requires only one Internet Protocol address for a work cell with multiple printers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centralized printing is used, then printer utilization is improved, but labeling accuracy deteriorates due to manual matching errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized printing function into multiple distributed printing locations, with each bin location having its own printer. This segmentation eliminates the manual label matching process while maintaining high printer utilization through shared access to the printing network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary between the control system and multiple distributed printers. This intermediary enables automated label transmission and printing at the correct locations without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving both accuracy and efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If centralized printing is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but time consumption increases due to label dispersal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one centralized printer, the system segments printing functions across multiple locations. Each bin location has its own printer, eliminating the time required to manually transport and match labels while the shared network infrastructure keeps overall equipment costs reasonable.
Solution Approach 2:
Labels are printed in advance at the correct bin location before items arrive, eliminating the time-consuming manual matching process. The system prepares labels ahead of time and places them where they will be needed, ensuring immediate application without delays.
3Reliability
If distributed printing is implemented, then labeling accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal communication network infrastructure that serves multiple distributed printers. This multi-functional network handles label transmission, printer control, and status monitoring across all locations, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the distributed nature of the printing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where each distributed printer communicates its status and location information back to the control system. This automated feedback loop enables the system to manage multiple printers efficiently without requiring complex manual configuration or monitoring.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system of distributed printing for use with automated robotic sorting has at least one work cell including a robotic sorting station, and a plurality of locations that receive sorted items from the robotic sorting station, with each of the plurality of locations having a separate printer. Each printer is configured to print labels related to items received by the respective location, wherein the printers in the work cell are configured in a network that receives data relating to the labels to be printed in the respective locations. Also included is a method of using the system and operating the automated robotic sorting station to place items in the plurality of locations, and sending data to the work cell relating to the labels to be printed in the respective plurality of locations by the separate printers and in association with the items received by the respective plurality of locations.