Object Identification Device Using Structured Light and Color Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object identification systems face challenges in fully automated recognition without operator assistance, particularly with barcodes being obstructed, incorrectly read due to reflections, or absent on items like loose fruit, necessitating alternative identification methods and validity checks for manipulation detection.
Innovation Solution
An identification device employing a first lighting device for homogeneous visible or infrared illumination and a second device for structured illumination, combined with a color camera, enables real-time detection of three-dimensional shape and color features, allowing for barcode-independent object recognition and validity checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If barcode reading is used for object identification, then identification speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates when barcodes are covered, misplaced, or incorrectly read
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the identification parameters from barcode-specific (1D/2D codes) to general object characteristics (3D shape, color, texture). By using structured light projection and multi-angle imaging, the system captures geometric and visual parameters that inherently describe the object, providing reliable identification regardless of barcode condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from 2D barcode recognition to 3D object characterization by projecting structured light patterns and capturing images from multiple angles. This dimensional expansion allows the system to identify objects based on their spatial geometry and surface properties, bypassing barcode limitations entirely.
2Reliability
If additional identification methods (color, shape detection) are implemented, then reliability is improved for barcode-independent identification, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a multi-functional imaging platform that simultaneously performs 3D shape capture, color detection, and texture analysis using integrated sensors and processing units. This universal approach allows a single device to handle diverse identification tasks (barcoded and non-barcoded objects) without requiring separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification process is segmented into distinct functional modules: structured light projection for 3D shape capture, multi-spectral imaging for color and texture detection, and hierarchical processing pipelines that analyze different object features separately before integration. This modular segmentation manages complexity by organizing functions into independent, manageable components.
3Measurement precision
If structured illumination and multi-angle imaging are used for 3D shape detection, then identification accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic projection of structured light patterns (multiple phases and orientations) combined with synchronized multi-angle imaging. By capturing images at different time points during the periodic illumination sequence, the system reconstructs 3D shape information through temporal sampling, achieving high precision without requiring continuous illumination or excessive measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary capture of multiple images and structured light patterns in rapid succession before processing. By pre-capturing all necessary data points (multi-angle views, multiple illumination phases) in advance, the subsequent 3D reconstruction and identification processing can proceed efficiently without time-consuming sequential measurements.
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 clear identification of objects in real-time, even without barcodes, by correlating 3D and color data, effectively addressing issues in automated recognition and validity checks in retail environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first lighting device (8), which is designed to homogeneously illuminate an object (3) to be identified with light of the visible spectrum
Implementation Method 2
with light of the visible spectrum and/or with infrared light
Implementation Method 3
a second lighting device (1), which is designed to illuminate the object to be identified with a structured illumination pattern
Implementation Method 4
a color camera (2), which records the object illuminated with the first illumination device and with the second illumination device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an identification device for an object, comprising: a first illumination device (8, 81, 82) configured to homogeneously illuminate an object (3) to be identified with light of the visible spectrum and/or with infrared light; a second illumination device (1) configured to illuminate the object (3) to be identified with a structured illumination pattern; and at least one color camera (2, 21-24) that records the object (3) illuminated by the first illumination device (8, 81, 82) and by the second illumination device (1). There is an acute angle between the illumination direction of the second illumination device (1) and the optical axis of the color camera (2, 21-24).It is provided that the at least one color camera (2, 21-24) provides first data relating to the image of the object (3) illuminated by the first lighting device (8, 81, 82) and provides second data relating to the image of the object (3) illuminated by the second lighting device (1).