Multi-Conveyor Product Distribution for Automated Recognition Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated product recognition systems face frequent recognition errors when multiple products of different shapes, weights, or sizes are detected simultaneously, requiring manual alignment and sequential placement to maintain accuracy, which is inconvenient and slows down the checkout process.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor unit with at least one horizontal conveyor and two vertically angled conveyors, along with sensors to adjust conveyor speeds, ensures accurate alignment and separation of products before recognition, allowing for independent speed control and improved product distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple products are detected simultaneously in the scanning area, then the automated recognition system can process multiple items at once, but recognition errors increase due to products of different shapes, weights, or sizes being detected together
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the product flow into separate processing streams using multiple conveyors (first horizontal conveyor, second horizontal conveyor, vertical conveyor) that physically separate products during transmission. This segmentation allows products to be individually positioned and spaced before reaching the scanning area, enabling simultaneous processing while maintaining recognition accuracy through proper spatial distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment and spacing of products on the conveyors before they enter the scanning area. Sensors detect product positions in advance, and the control unit adjusts conveyor speeds to pre-position products at optimal intervals, ensuring that when multiple products are scanned simultaneously, they are properly spaced and oriented for accurate recognition.
2Measurement precision
If products are placed sequentially one after another at certain intervals, then recognition accuracy is maintained, but the checkout process becomes inconvenient and slower
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by using sensors to automatically detect product positions and the control unit to autonomously adjust conveyor speeds for optimal spacing. This eliminates the need for customers or employees to manually place products at specific intervals, as the system automatically performs the alignment function, maintaining recognition accuracy while improving convenience and throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts conveyor speeds based on real-time sensor feedback about product positions. The control unit continuously monitors and modifies the speed of horizontal and vertical conveyors to maintain optimal product spacing, allowing the system to adapt to varying product sizes, shapes, and placement patterns while automatically ensuring accurate recognition conditions.
3Measurement precision
If additional equipment is used to distribute products in a moving flow to separate closely spaced items, then recognition accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the product distribution function with the existing conveyor transport system. Rather than adding completely separate distribution equipment, the patent integrates distribution capabilities into the horizontal and vertical conveyors that are already moving products through the system. The same conveyors that transport products also perform the spacing and alignment functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining recognition accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyors in the system serve multiple functions: they transport products from the input to the scanning area, simultaneously perform product spacing and alignment, and enable dynamic speed adjustment for optimal positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated distribution equipment, achieving accurate product separation using the existing conveyor infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor unit distributes products and an automated product and item recognition system use such a unit. The technology is usable in customer self-service checkouts, as well as in automated warehouses for sorting products. The distribution unit includes at least one horizontal conveyor to move products to the recognition unit, at least two vertical conveyors placed above at least one horizontal conveyor and oriented at an angle to the movement axis of the horizontal conveyor, and at least one sensor to identify the position of products on conveyors. The horizontal and vertical conveyors are designed to enable the independent adjustment of the conveyor speed based on the readings received from at least one sensor. The approach provides improved accuracy and performance for automated recognition of products with different shapes, weights, or sizes and simplified use of the automated system without any need for the placement of products in sequence.