Sensing Device Image Calibration for Accurate Code Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for configuring detection devices to accurately assign codes to objects in manufacturing and logistics automation are time-consuming, costly, and often inaccurate, leading to incorrect code-to-object assignments and increased manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

A method for configuring a detection device that involves selecting specific images from a sequence of images of a test object to determine delays for starting and ending image recording, using trigger start and stop signals, and employing image processing algorithms to ensure accurate code assignment without requiring specialist knowledge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration measures are used to determine delay time, then configuration accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelay time accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the delay time by analyzing images captured during object passage. The evaluation unit autonomously selects appropriate images and calculates the delay time without requiring manual intervention or external calibration tools, enabling the system to configure itself efficiently while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual calibration by experts is performed, then accurate code assignment can be achieved, but the complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode-to-object assignment accuracyVSAvoidcalibration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device automatically performs the calibration function that previously required expert intervention. The evaluation unit analyzes captured images, identifies objects and codes, determines delay time, and configures the recording start time autonomously, eliminating the need for expert calibration while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the approach from manual parameter setting to automatic parameter determination. By using image analysis and object detection algorithms, the system automatically determines the optimal delay time parameter based on actual object passage characteristics, replacing complex manual calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If recording starts immediately upon trigger signal, then response speed is maximized, but code-to-object assignment becomes incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcode-to-object assignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the captured image sequence to determine the appropriate delay time before actual code reading operations begin. By pre-determining the optimal recording start time based on object passage characteristics, the system ensures accurate code-to-object assignment while maintaining efficient response during actual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4636712A1Method for configuring a sensing device, sensing device and computer program product
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 SICK AG
  • EP4636712A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4636712A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4636712A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method for configuring a detection device that assigns this code to an object (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) provided with a code (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, CT) for its identification and conveyed relative to the detection device comprises the following steps: receiving a trigger start signal; recording a sequence of individual images (E1, E2, ..., E14) of a test object (TO) conveyed relative to the detection device; selecting a first and a second image (E6, E10) from the sequence of individual images (E1, E2, ..., E14); determining a first delay between the receipt of the trigger start signal and the recording of the selected first image (E6); and setting a start time at or after which a recording of individual images of an object is started during ongoing operation of the detection device, depending on the first delay.