Rotating Product Tracking for Reliable Peripheral Code Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying and tracking products with optical markings require pre-orientation or multiple camera views, which is inefficient and equipment-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a transport device with rotatable cells and a friction element that rotates products to align markings with a stationary camera system, ensuring 360° rotation and reading of peripheral codes using a single camera or multiple cameras with coordinated active fields of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If products are conveyed without pre-orientation, then handling flexibility is improved, but marking recognition reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The friction element performs preliminary rotation of the product before marking recognition. By rotating the product in advance through friction engagement, the system ensures that the marking will be presented to the camera during the rotation cycle, thereby preparing the product for reliable detection without requiring pre-orientation during loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static product positioning to dynamic rotation. The friction element induces rotational motion in the product during conveyance, allowing the marking to be dynamically presented to the camera system. This dynamic approach replaces the need for static pre-orientation while maintaining recognition reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple camera views are used, then marking recognition completeness is improved, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple stationary cameras to capture different views, the system employs a single camera combined with dynamic product rotation. The friction element rotates the product so that the marking passes through the camera's field of view, achieving complete marking recognition with simpler equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The product itself serves to present its marking to the camera through self-induced rotation via the friction element. This eliminates the need for complex multi-camera arrangements, as the rotating product automatically brings its marking into the camera's detection range.
3Measurement precision
If pre-orientation is required, then marking recognition accuracy is improved, but process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction element performs preliminary rotation during the conveyance process itself, rather than requiring a separate pre-orientation step. This integrates the orientation function into the existing conveyance time, avoiding additional time loss while ensuring the marking is properly presented to the camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation action continues throughout the conveyance process, ensuring that the marking is continuously presented to the camera. This eliminates idle time between pre-orientation and recognition, maintaining continuous useful action from conveyance through recognition.
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 robust and efficient recognition of markings on rotationally symmetrical products without pre-orientation, optimizing equipment usage and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
rotating each product by means of a friction element which, as the products are being conveyed, comes into engagement with each product by friction, preferably static friction
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for identifying and tracking singly conveyed products, which are cylindrical at least in regions, and have a peripheral surface to which a marking is respectively applied. The products are conveyed in a direction of transport by a transport device, and during conveyance are rotated by a friction element that comes into engagement with each product by friction as the products are being conveyed. The marking applied to the peripheral surface of each product is read by a stationary camera system having at least two cameras, as the respective product is being rotated.