Positional Relationship Detection Using Information Code Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting the positional relationship of items on display shelves face inefficiencies when not all information codes can be captured in a single image, particularly in elongated shelves, leading to incomplete data and the need for repeated imaging.
Innovation Solution
A positional relationship detection device that uses an imaging unit, reading unit, detecting unit, storage unit, and determination unit to read and store specific information from information codes, allowing for the detection of relative positional relationships even if not all codes are captured in one image, by using the size of information codes and end codes to calculate relative positions and distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple captured images are connected to generate a panoramic image for detecting positional relationships on elongated display shelves, then the detection coverage is improved, but the processing complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection process into segments by identifying individual information codes and their relative positions separately in each captured image, then combining these segmented results to reconstruct the overall positional relationships across the entire display shelf without requiring complex panoramic image generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses relative position information between information codes as an intermediary to transfer spatial relationships across multiple images. By detecting relative positions within each image and using these as references for connecting images, the system avoids the complexity of direct panoramic stitching while maintaining accurate positional relationship detection
2Area of stationary object
If multiple captured images are connected to generate a panoramic image, then the detection coverage is improved, but the time consumption for imaging and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of information codes and their relative positions within each captured image before connecting images. By pre-processing and storing relative position data in each individual image, the system reduces the time required for post-processing and panoramic image generation, as the critical positional relationship data is already extracted and organized
3Measurement precision
If all information codes are required to be captured in one image for detecting positional relationships, then the detection precision is improved, but the adaptability to elongated display shelves deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from requiring two-dimensional spatial capture of all codes in one image to a multi-dimensional approach where relative positions are detected in each image plane and then integrated across multiple images through coordinate transformation and relative position calculation, enabling accurate detection on elongated shelves that exceed single-image capture capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Information codes each having a predetermined size, in which specific information for specifying the type of item is recorded, are provided by using shelf boards at positions where the respective types of the items are displayed on a display shelf. When two or more information codes whose specific information is read are included in one captured image captured by an imaging unit while no detected code is stored in the storage unit, the relative positional relationship among the two or more information codes is detected based on the sizes of the information codes. Further, when the captured image is determined as a partially undetected state, in which an undetected code is included together with at least one detected code, the relative positional relationship of the undetected code relative to the detected code is detected based on the size of the reference code.