Drop Perception Housing for Barcode Capture in Arbitrary Orientations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object identification systems for robotic and sortation systems are limited in their ability to accommodate the automated identification and processing of a variety of objects in various orientations, requiring manual intervention or controlled barcode placement for successful scanning.
Innovation Solution
A drop perception system with an open housing structure containing multiple perception units positioned to capture data from different angles, allowing objects to be dropped in without mechanical conveyance, and employing cameras or scanners to identify barcodes from various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual barcode scanning is used, then identification accuracy is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables objects to be automatically identified as they pass through the perception system without requiring manual positioning or intervention. The multiple perception units capture images of barcodes on objects in various orientations, and the system automatically processes these images to identify and sort the objects, making the identification process self-service rather than manual
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scanning operations with an automated optical perception system. Instead of a human operator manually positioning and scanning barcodes, the system uses multiple cameras or scanners positioned to capture barcode images automatically as objects move through the system, substituting mechanical manual operations with automated optical detection
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed barcode scanners are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability is limited due to constrained barcode positions and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The perception system is divided into multiple independent perception units, each capable of capturing barcode images from different angles and orientations. This segmentation allows the system to handle objects in various positions without requiring a single complex scanner to accommodate all orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point fixed scanner to a multi-dimensional perception arrangement with cameras positioned at various locations and angles. This dimensional expansion allows capture of barcodes on objects regardless of their orientation in three-dimensional space
3Reliability
If manual barcode scanning is used, then identification reliability is maintained, but loss of time increases due to manual processing
Solution Approach 1:
The perception system operates continuously as objects move through it, capturing multiple images of each object from different angles simultaneously. This continuous operation eliminates the stop-start nature of manual scanning, maintaining reliability through multiple capture attempts while reducing total processing time
Data Source
AI summary
A drop perception system is disclosed that includes an open housing structure having an internal volume, an open top and an open bottom, and a plurality of perception units positioned to capture perception data within the internal volume at a plurality of locations between the open top and the open bottom of the open housing.