Logistics Imaging Module Using Pose-Triggered Monochromatic Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cased goods inspection systems face challenges with chromatic aberration and high complexity due to deep depth of field cameras and multiple cameras required for barcode reading, especially when hazardous material iconography is present, leading to increased cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A logistics imaging module that decouples barcode and hazardous material iconography reading from deep depth of field cameras, using a combination of monochromatic light and multiple cameras with fixed shallow depth of field, along with pose information to ensure accurate reading of all six sides of cased goods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If white light illumination is used with deep depth of field cameras, then barcode illumination is achieved, but chromatic aberration occurs causing lens failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from white light to monochromatic light (specifically red light at 630-650nm wavelength). This parameter change eliminates chromatic aberration in deep depth of field cameras while maintaining adequate illumination for barcode reading, thus resolving the contradiction between illumination effectiveness and lens reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to scan all six sides of cased goods, then complete barcode scanning is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single camera perform multiple functions by combining it with monochromatic red light illumination and deep depth of field optics. The camera can read barcodes on all six sides of cased goods, detect hazardous material iconography, and operate across varying distances without requiring multiple specialized cameras, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive scanning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces monochromatic red light illumination as an intermediary between the light source and the camera sensor. This intermediary enables the single camera to effectively capture barcode information under deep depth of field conditions by eliminating chromatic aberration and providing optimal contrast for the red-sensitive camera sensor.
3Measurement precision
If high definition imaging with magnification is used for barcode reading, then reading accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of illumination to monochromatic red light (630-650nm), which matches the sensitivity peak of the camera sensor. This parameter change enhances the signal-to-noise ratio and reading accuracy without requiring high magnification or complex imaging systems, thus achieving precise barcode reading with simpler equipment.
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
The solution enables efficient and accurate reading of barcodes and hazardous material iconography on cased goods, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining high reading success rates across various orientations and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
employing a monochromatic light source, such as a red light source having a wavelength of about 630-650 nanometers
Implementation Method 2
The camera sensor is sensitive to the wavelength of the monochromatic light source
Data Source
AI summary
A logistics imaging module, for reading logistic iconography on containers of goods of different sizes, including a frame, a conveyor coupled to the frame to transport each container through the frame at a predetermined continuous throughput rate, at least one source of illumination connected to the frame and configured to illuminate the container with diffuse light, at least one camera, with a fixed depth of field, disposed to image the container transported substantially coincident with the illumination of the container. A controller is connected to the conveyor to determine a pose of the container transported relative to the frame. The controller is configured to trigger the at least one camera and the at least one source of illumination to image the container based on the determined pose being an optimum pose for imaging parameters of the at least one camera.