Movable Image Capture Unit for Automated Warehouse Inventory
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-bay warehouses, precise visual recording of inventory is challenging, requiring high personnel levels and inefficient manual processes for checking and updating storage carrier contents, especially for small items and deep containers.
Innovation Solution
A warehouse shelf with a movable image recording unit and lighting device positioned centrally over the storage area, ensuring constant angle and illumination for accurate, cover-free imaging of both small and large items, allowing for automatic and precise image recording during loading and unloading, and an image evaluation device to create a comprehensive inventory picture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an image capture unit is mounted on the top of the loading and unloading opening, then the storage rack can automatically capture images of storage goods carriers, but stored goods in the edge area and small items cannot be captured clearly due to large distance and obstructions from larger items
Solution Approach 1:
The image capture unit is mounted on a movable device that can change its position dynamically. The device can move horizontally along rails and vertically to adjust the capture angle and distance, enabling clear capture of edge area goods and small items while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a fixed top-mounted position to a multi-dimensional movable position. The image capture unit can move in horizontal and vertical directions, adding spatial dimensions to the capture system to overcome the limitations of the fixed top position.
2Measurement precision
If the image capture unit is fixed at a constant distance from the storage goods carrier, then geometric dimensions can be compared directly, but the distance varies depending on the storage location making direct comparison impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The movable device allows the image capture unit to dynamically adjust its position to maintain a constant capture distance regardless of the storage location. This enables direct geometric dimension comparison while adapting to different positions of storage goods carriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates position detection that provides feedback about the storage location, enabling the movable device to adjust the image capture unit's position to maintain optimal capture conditions for geometric dimension comparison.
3Loss of information
If manual inventory recording is performed by removing each item carrier individually, then complete inventory can be recorded, but efficiency during loading and unloading is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The image capture unit captures images of storage goods carriers during the loading and unloading process itself, rather than requiring a separate manual inventory step. This preliminary capture action maintains inventory accuracy without interrupting workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service inventory recording where the image capture unit automatically documents the storage goods carrier contents during normal operations, eliminating the need for separate manual inventory procedures and maintaining productivity.
4Device complexity
If a fixed top-mounted image capture unit is used, then the device complexity is low, but the lighting conditions vary with storage location affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is integrated with the movable device, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation to provide consistent illumination on the storage goods carrier regardless of location. This maintains uniform lighting conditions without significantly increasing device complexity.
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
Enables efficient, precise, and automated inventory management with constant angle and illumination, allowing for accurate geometric dimensioning and detailed imaging of storage goods, reducing personnel requirements and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an image capture unit (40) for capturing a image record of the storage goods (28) placed on the storage goods carrier (20)
Implementation Method 2
a lighting device (50) for highlighting and illuminating an area of the storage goods carrier (20) captured by the image capture unit (40)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a storage shelf (10) comprising a plurality of supporting brackets (12), which are disposed on top of each other, for supporting storage product carriers (20) which can be conveyed by means of an automatic transport device (14), and at least one feed and removal opening (16) for feeding and removing the storage product carrier (20). For this purpose, an image-capturing unit (40) is arranged on an upper side (18) of the feed and removal opening (16). The image-capturing unit (40) is fastened to a displacement device (30) which is displaceable in a horizontal direction (X).