Robotic Singulation Routing for Manually Scanned Package Trays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic singulation systems fail to accurately associate manually scanned package information with the correct tray or receptacle, leading to inefficiencies and errors in downstream handling due to the inability to detect and correct mis-sorted packages.
Innovation Solution
A robotic singulation system that uses computer vision and visual inputs from human workers to identify and associate manually scanned package information with the correct tray or receptacle, utilizing gestures, paddles, or optical codes to correlate the scanned data with the tray position, enabling automated routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated optical scanning is used to read package codes, then scanning speed and automation level are improved, but the ability to detect and correct scanning errors is worsened because failed scans are indistinguishable from successful scans
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having human workers verify scan results and provide corrective input when scanning errors are detected. The computer vision system monitors the workflow and adjusts routing based on this feedback loop, allowing the system to learn from and correct scanning failures while maintaining high-speed automated scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
Human workers serve as an intermediary between the automated scanning system and the final sortation decision. They act as a mediator who can detect scanning errors that the automated system misses and provide manual verification, bridging the gap between automated speed and reliable error detection.
2Measurement precision
If human workers manually scan packages at secondary stations, then scanning accuracy for difficult codes is improved, but the ability to associate scanned information with the correct tray is worsened due to lack of tray identification
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing images of trays and their identifiers before packages are placed in them. This pre-capture of tray identification information allows the system to later associate manually scanned package data with the correct tray, even though the scanning happens after the tray is selected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual tray identification and association processes with computer vision technology. Instead of workers manually tracking which tray a package was placed in, the system uses cameras and image recognition to automatically identify trays and associate them with scanned package information, eliminating the information loss that occurs in manual systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If secondary manual sortation stations are added to handle unscannable packages, then handling of difficult packages is improved, but system complexity and space requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The computer vision system serves multiple functions: it monitors automated scanning, identifies trays, tracks package movement, and enables automated routing. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle both automatically scanned and manually scanned packages through a single integrated platform, reducing the need for separate complex subsystems while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic singulation system configured to enable automated routing of manually scanned packages is disclosed. In various embodiments, image data associated with a workspace in which at least a portion of a segmented conveyance structure is located is received at a processor via a communication interface. A visually-provided user input indicating a receptacle comprising the segmented conveyance structure is detected, based at least in part on the image data. A receptacle identifier associated with the receptacle indicated by the visually-provided user input is determined, in response to the visually-provided input and based at least in part on the image data. A scanned package information is associated with the receptacle identifier, at least in part in response to the visually-provided input.