Object Singulation by Movement Redistribution for High-Throughput Sorting

The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting operations with an automated system using robotic arms equipped with sensors and computer vision. The robotic system can identify objects by their visual characteristics and automatically sort them into appropriate bins, eliminating the need for human workers to manually handle and sort objects while maintaining the ability to accommodate varying sizes and weights through programmable control.

The system enables objects to be automatically identified and sorted based on their visual features without human intervention. The robotic arm autonomously detects object characteristics through cameras and sensors, determines the appropriate destination bin, and executes the sorting action independently, creating a self-service automated sorting process.

The patent implements dynamic bin assignment where the system can reconfigure which objects go to which bins based on real-time conditions and object characteristics. Rather than having fixed, dedicated bins for each object type, the system dynamically determines destination assignments, allowing the same bin to serve multiple object types at different times and reducing the total number of bins needed.

The robotic sorting system provides universal functionality by being able to sort any object type into any bin based on visual recognition and programmable logic. The single robotic arm can handle diverse objects of varying sizes and weights and direct them to appropriate bins, replacing the need for multiple specialized sorting mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.

The patent replaces manual code scanning operations with automated computer vision systems using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system automatically captures images of objects, identifies visual features and characteristics, and determines object identity and destination without requiring human operators to manually scan codes, thereby maintaining identification accuracy while eliminating manual labor.

The system creates visual copies of objects through camera imaging and uses digital image processing to extract identifying information. Rather than requiring physical interaction with objects or manual code scanning, the system captures optical copies and analyzes them computationally to achieve accurate object identification and sorting decisions.

The patent extracts and removes the complex actuated divert mechanisms from the sorting system. Instead of using mechanical diverters that require actuators and complex linkages to redirect objects, the system uses a robotic arm to directly pick up objects and place them into the appropriate bins, eliminating the need for intermediate divert mechanisms and significantly reducing mechanical complexity.

The robotic arm serves as an intermediary between object detection and bin placement, replacing the traditional intermediary divert mechanisms. The robotic gripper directly manipulates objects and transfers them to destination bins, eliminating the need for complex actuated divert systems while maintaining sorting capability through intelligent control and positioning.