Robot-Mounted Package Imaging for In-Motion 3D Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distribution systems face inefficiencies due to the need for scanning tunnels to identify and model packages, which disrupt workflow, increase cycle time, and reduce equipment efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system that uses its motion axes and integrated sensors to image packages during transit, eliminating the need for scanning tunnels by capturing images from multiple perspectives as the package is rotated, thereby identifying and modeling packages efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning tunnels are used to identify and model packages, then package identification accuracy is improved, but cycle time increases and equipment efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scanning function with the robot's motion axes by mounting sensors on the robot itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate scanning tunnels and intermediate handling, allowing the robot to capture images of packages during its normal transit between locations, thereby reducing cycle time while maintaining identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The robot is given multiple functions: it performs both package transport and package scanning/identification. By mounting sensors on the robot's motion axes, the same robotic system that moves packages also captures images for identification and modeling, eliminating the need for dedicated scanning equipment and intermediate stopping points
2Measurement precision
If scanning tunnels are used to identify and model packages, then package identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scanning system with the robot by mounting sensors on the robot's motion axes. This integration eliminates the need for separate scanning tunnels and intermediate handling infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining identification capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the scanning function from the fixed infrastructure (scanning tunnels) and attaches it to the mobile robot platform. This extraction allows the scanning capability to move with the robot, eliminating the need for complex fixed scanning infrastructure and intermediate stopping points
3Measurement precision
If packages are moved through scanning tunnels for identification, then package identification is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous package processing by capturing images during the robot's normal motion between locations. Packages are identified during transit rather than requiring intermediate stopping at scanning tunnels, maintaining continuous workflow and maximizing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The robot captures images of packages during its transit between locations, performing identification actions during otherwise idle travel time. This preliminary action during motion eliminates the need for separate scanning steps and keeps the workflow continuous
Data Source
AI summary
A package imaging system can be configured to utilize unused or idle degrees of freedom associated with a robot to collect identification and modeling information. One or more sensors can be attached to the robot and configured to track a package between a first location and a second location. A final joint of the robot can be configured to cause one or more rotations of the package within the reference frame. The one or more sensors can capture one or more images of the package within the reference frame. Based on the one or more images, the package imaging system can determine a package identity from an identifier associated with the package. The package imaging system can also generate a three-dimensional model of the package by combining the one or more pictures.