Drop Perception Housing for Multi-Angle Object Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barcode scanning systems for robotic and sortation systems are limited in their ability to automatically identify objects in various orientations and positions, requiring manual adjustment and being ineffective in heterogeneous object streams.
Innovation Solution
A drop perception system with multiple perception units positioned around an open housing structure that captures perception data from different angles as objects fall through, allowing for automated identification of objects using cameras or scanners without mechanical conveyance, and a method for sorting objects by engaging perception units to capture data and route them to appropriate destinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a fixed barcode scanner is used at point-of-sale systems, then the scanner can continuously scan barcodes, but the operator must manually hold and position the article to make the barcode visible to the scanner
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows objects to present themselves to the scanner through natural movement or placement on the conveyor, eliminating the need for operators to manually position items. The scanner passively captures barcodes as objects move through the scanning zone, with the object's own movement serving the scanning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated optical system that uses multiple scanners arranged in different orientations. The system substitutes human operators' manual adjustment actions with an automated array of scanning devices that collectively cover all possible barcode orientations without requiring physical manipulation of objects.
2Productivity
If manual barcode scanning is used with handheld scanners, then the operator can locate and scan barcodes on articles, but the process requires human intervention and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic identification of objects as they move through the conveyor without requiring human operators to manually scan each item. The multiple scanners automatically detect and read barcodes in various orientations, allowing the system to self-identify objects for sorting decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual handheld scanning operations with an automated optical detection system. The system substitutes human visual search and manual scanning actions with computer-controlled multiple scanners that continuously monitor and automatically detect barcodes on moving objects, eliminating the need for human intervention in the scanning process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automated barcode scanners are positioned in fixed locations relative to a conveyor, then scanning can be automated, but the range of barcode positions and orientations that can be scanned is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the scanning function into multiple independent scanner units, each responsible for detecting barcodes in specific orientations or positions. This segmentation allows the system to handle diverse object orientations by distributing the scanning task across multiple specialized sensors rather than requiring one complex omnidirectional scanner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the scanning system by arranging multiple scanners at different angles, heights, and positions around the conveyor path. This multi-dimensional arrangement creates a three-dimensional scanning network that can detect barcodes in any orientation, transforming a single-point scanning limitation into a volumetric detection capability.
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.