Projection Indication Device Parcel Tracking Overexposure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing volume of parcel circulation and diversity of parcel types pose challenges in effectively and precisely sorting parcels, with existing technologies struggling to maintain tracking accuracy due to issues like overexposure during projection image display.

Innovation Solution

A parcel sorting system incorporating a projection indication device that uses a label reader, image sensors, and a projector to generate and project parcel identification information, switching between color and distance images for tracking to prevent accuracy loss from overexposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a projection image is displayed on a parcel to indicate sorting information, then work efficiency is improved and sorting precision is enhanced, but tracking accuracy deteriorates due to overexposure from the projection light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting efficiencyVSAvoidtracking accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches between color image mode and distance image mode based on real-time detection of overexposure conditions. When overexposure is detected during projection, the system transitions from using color images (which are affected by overexposure) to using distance images (which are not affected by lighting conditions), thereby maintaining tracking accuracy while continuing to provide sorting guidance through projection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the imaging parameter from color-based tracking to distance-based tracking when overexposure occurs. By switching the type of image data used for tracking (from RGB color information to depth/distance information), the system overcomes the limitation of color image degradation under projection light while maintaining effective parcel identification and tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual sorting work is performed, then flexibility in handling various parcel types is maintained, but time consumption increases and work efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling flexibilityVSAvoidsorting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal sorting guidance system that can handle various parcel types through projection indication. The system projects sorting information directly onto different kinds of parcels regardless of their specific characteristics, providing a multi-functional solution that replaces manual decision-making while maintaining adaptability to diverse parcel types through automated image processing and pattern recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual sorting process with an automated optical system. Instead of workers manually examining and sorting parcels, the system uses image sensors to capture parcel images, processes them to extract sorting information, and projects guidance directly onto the parcels, thereby eliminating manual labor while maintaining flexibility through intelligent image analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If projection light intensity is increased to improve visibility of sorting information, then sorting precision is enhanced, but overexposure occurs and tracking accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting precisionVSAvoidoverexposure effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces distance image data as an intermediary for tracking purposes. When projection light causes overexposure in color images, the system uses distance image data (captured by a distance image sensor) as a mediator to maintain tracking accuracy. This intermediary approach allows the projection light to remain at sufficient intensity for sorting precision while using an alternative data source that is not affected by the overexposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient and precise parcel sorting by maintaining tracking accuracy even when overexposure occurs, allowing for flexible adaptation to changes in sorting destinations and parcel types.

Implementation Method 1

a projector 40, projects the projection image on the parcel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Implementation Method 2

an image sensor 20, which generates color image information of the parcel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection and detection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a distance image sensor 22, which generates distance image information of the parcel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-based distance measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3647234B1Projection indication device, parcel sorting system, and projection indication method
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3647234B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3647234B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3647234B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

There is provided a projection indication device that generates a projection image to be projected on parcel based on sensing information of the parcel, the device including: a processor; and a memory, in which by cooperating with the memory, the processor specifies parcel based on a distance image of the parcel included in sensing information, tracks the parcel based on a color image of the parcel included in the sensing information, and tracks the parcel based on the distance image of the parcel in a case where the color image of the parcel on which a projection image is projected includes a white region expressed in white which is not an original gradation.