Line Scanner 3D Shape Detection for Conveyor Products
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection methods struggle to accurately determine the 3-dimensional shape and position of products on a conveyor belt, especially when surfaces are uneven, glossy, reflective, or have poor color contrast, making it difficult for robots to precisely pick and stack products.
Innovation Solution
A method using a line camera and a uniquely encoded pattern of strips and gaps, where the camera determines the position and elevation of products by analyzing the displacement of pattern edges, allowing for the generation of 3-dimensional elevation profiles and enabling precise detection of product arrangement, including overlapping products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If incident light line scanner is used to detect product positions, then detection speed is sufficient for running surfaces, but measurement precision deteriorates when surfaces are glossy, reflective, or have poor color contrast
Solution Approach 1:
A structured light pattern (strip pattern with alternating light and dark regions) is projected onto the product surface as an intermediary carrier. The pattern edges serve as detectable markers that are captured by the camera, enabling precise position and elevation determination without relying on product surface properties. This mediator pattern bridges the gap between the scanner and the product, allowing accurate measurement even on reflective or low-contrast surfaces.
2Measurement precision
If stereoscopy with two cameras is used to determine 3-dimensional shape, then elevation information can be obtained, but the method fails on surfaces without texture
Solution Approach 1:
A structured light pattern is projected onto the product surface to create artificial texture. The pattern edges serve as detectable markers that are captured by the camera, enabling precise position and elevation determination without relying on product surface properties. This mediator pattern provides the necessary texture information for stereoscopic measurement to work on any surface type.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the illumination parameters by projecting a structured light pattern with specific geometric features (edges, strips, gaps) rather than using uniform or diffuse lighting. This parameter change in the light field creates detectable features that enable elevation determination through triangulation, making the method applicable to surfaces that would otherwise be undetectable.
3Measurement precision
If strip projection with triangulation is used to detect 3-dimensional position, then elevation range and resolution can be achieved, but the method requires multiple sequential patterns and dark environment
Solution Approach 1:
A complete structured light pattern containing all necessary elevation information is projected onto the product surface in a single action. The pattern is designed with unique encoding that allows the processing unit to determine all elevation points from one captured image, eliminating the need for multiple sequential projections and complex environmental controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The structured light pattern serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides elevation information through triangulation, enables position determination through pattern edge detection, and works in various lighting conditions. This multi-functional pattern eliminates the need for separate elevation and position detection systems, simplifying the overall device while maintaining high measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides accurate 3-dimensional shape and position determination, even on complex surfaces, improving the precision of product picking and stacking by generating detailed elevation profiles and rotational orientation, suitable for industrial use.
Implementation Method 1
a line camera... which... determines an actual position of each edge of the markings... when the edge is radiated onto the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Line scanning of a radiated and defined strip pattern (2) facilitates determining a position of an edge of each strip (5) by taking images of the line pattern (2) from a different viewing angle and determining an elevation profile along an image line (3) therefrom and by concatenating determining the 3-D elevation profile over a surface (1).