E-Package Tags for Robotic Pose Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product packaging methods are inadequate for internet shopping and unmanned logistics, as they require expensive and unreliable equipment to read machine-readable information, especially when the product pose is arbitrary.
Innovation Solution
A packaging method using e-package information tags on multiple surfaces of a product, providing information on location, orientation, and physical features, which can be detected by robotic systems to facilitate efficient handling and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional machine-readable information (barcode) is printed on product packaging, then product information can be stored, but reading the barcode requires expensive and unreliable equipment when product pose is arbitrary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 1D/2D barcodes to 3D spatial information encoding. By printing directional arrows and surface indicators on multiple faces of the package, the system encodes spatial dimension data that enables robots to understand package orientation and pose without complex vision systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual markers (arrows, colored regions, patterns) as intermediaries between the package and robot. These markers serve as a simple communication language that translates package orientation into easily detectable visual signals, eliminating the need for complex barcode reading equipment
2Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated barcode reading equipment is developed to handle arbitrary product poses, then product information can be read, but the equipment becomes expensive and often not reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation from encoded data in barcodes to direct spatial visualization through arrows and surface markers. This parameter transformation allows robots to directly perceive package orientation geometry rather than decoding information, improving reliability across varying poses
Solution Approach 2:
The package itself provides the orientation information through its visual markers rather than requiring external sophisticated reading equipment. The arrows and surface indicators on the package actively guide the robot's perception system, making the package self-descriptive of its pose
3Ease of operation
If e-package information tags are provided on multiple surfaces of the object, then robotic manipulation information is readily accessible, but the packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual markers on package surfaces serve multiple functions: they indicate orientation, identify graspable surfaces, and provide spatial reference for robots. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple information needs into simple visual elements, avoiding actual packaging structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual copies (arrows, patterns, colored regions) that represent spatial and manipulation information rather than encoding it. These visual copies are easily printed and applied to package surfaces without adding physical complexity, while providing rich robotic manipulation guidance
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system for processing an object to be packaged as a product, a packaging method, and a method of processing the same are provided. The object has multiple surfaces, and multiple e-package information tags are provided on the surfaces of the object for storing information of the product. Each surface is provided with one of the e-package information tags. The information of the product includes information of a location, an orientation and physical features of the object. In operation, the robot system controls a sensing device to detect and capture one of the e-package information tags on the object to obtain a captured image, and processes the captured image to obtain the information of the product. Based on the information of the product, the robot system controls a robotic grasping device to perform a robotic manipulation for handling the object.