Pallet Packing System Using Depth Sensors and RFID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pallet management systems struggle to accurately and efficiently determine the position and loading patterns of multiple heterogeneous articles on a pallet, limiting the ability to quickly find specific items in a warehouse setting.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing RFID tags, NFC tags, QR codes, and depth measurement sensors (such as depth cameras or KINECT sensors) to receive and process identification and depth information, generating loading information that includes 3D position coordinates or region data for each article on a pallet, enabling precise tracking and updating of article positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If only pallet position information is collected using existing goods map generating apparatus, then the system complexity is low, but the loading pattern information of multiple heterogeneous articles cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pallet surface into multiple detection regions and assigns different identification methods to different regions. RFID tags are used for articles in certain regions while depth measurement sensors detect articles in other regions, allowing comprehensive coverage of loading patterns without requiring a single complex system throughout the entire pallet area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple detection technologies (RFID reading and depth measurement) into a unified pallet management system. The same system architecture handles both pallet position identification and detailed article loading pattern recognition, making the system universally applicable to various article types and loading configurations.
2Loss of time
If manual methods are used to determine article positions, then the device complexity is low, but the time required to find specific items is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-identification of article positions through RFID tags and depth measurement sensors. Articles with RFID tags can be automatically detected and positioned without manual intervention, and the depth measurement sensors automatically capture spatial information, significantly reducing the time required to locate specific items in the warehouse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with automated optical and electromagnetic detection systems. Depth measurement sensors use optical principles to automatically determine article positions and heights, while RFID technology uses electromagnetic fields for rapid identification, eliminating the need for manual counting and positioning operations.
3Measurement precision
If depth measurement sensors are added to capture 3D position information, then the measurement precision of article positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple functional components: RFID readers for identification, depth measurement sensors for spatial positioning, and a processing unit for data fusion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with optimized simplicity while the overall system achieves comprehensive precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges RFID identification data with depth measurement sensor data to create a comprehensive article positioning system. By combining the high-precision spatial measurement capability of depth sensors with the rapid identification capability of RFID, the system achieves both measurement precision and operational efficiency without requiring an entirely complex new system.
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 approach allows for rapid and accurate determination of article positions and loading patterns, enhancing the efficiency of pallet management by providing detailed loading information that can be used for quick identification and retrieval of specific items.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring depth information regarding a whole area of the pallet by using a depth measurement sensor positioned to be spaced apart from the pallet by a predetermined distance in an upper vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a method and a system of pallet packing that generate information on an article to be loaded and a loading place of the article on a specific pallet by recognizing a 3D position on which articles are loaded on a pallet, and a method for providing loading information of the article on the pallet by using loading information of the article generated by the method. More particularly, there are provided a method and a system of pallet packing that generate information on a 3D loading position of each article by using identification information of the pallet and each article and depth information for a whole area of the pallet acquired through a depth measurement sensor and a method for providing information on a loading shape of all articles or a state in which a specific article is loaded by using loading information of the article generated through the method.