Picking Control Interface Using Instruction Images for Legacy Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high costs associated with replacing or modifying existing management systems to introduce a picking system that automatically picks articles based on picking information have been a significant challenge.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus, program, and system that include an image interface, communication unit, and processor to obtain and transmit picking information to a robot system, allowing for automated picking without the need for system replacement or modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a picking system that automatically picks articles based on picking information is introduced, then productivity and automation level are improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to replacement or modification of existing management systems
Solution Approach 1:
An image processing apparatus serves as an intermediary between the existing management system and the robot picking system. The management system outputs an instruction image, which the image processing apparatus converts into picking information that the robot system can execute, enabling automation without modifying the existing management system
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy (instruction image) of the picking requirements that can be processed and transformed into executable commands. The image processing apparatus reads and interprets this visual representation to generate the necessary picking information, avoiding direct modification of the original management system
2Productivity
If a picking system that automatically picks articles based on picking information is introduced, then productivity and automation level are improved, but loss of resources increases due to high costs of system replacement and modification
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing apparatus acts as a cost-effective intermediary layer that enables automation functionality without requiring expensive replacement or modification of the existing management system, thus reducing resource loss while maintaining productivity improvements
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing apparatus provides a universal interface that can work with existing management systems while enabling new automated picking functionality, allowing the system to serve multiple purposes without additional investment in system replacement
Data Source
AI summary
To solve the above problem, a control apparatus, a program, and a system that are capable of effectively providing picking information are provided.According to an embodiment, a control apparatus includes an image interface, a communication unit, and a processor. The image interface obtains an instruction image indicating information of articles to be picked. The communication unit transmits and receives data to and from a robot system that picks the articles. The processor generates picking information of the articles to be picked from the instruction image, and transmits the picking information to the robot system via the communication unit.