Suction Cup Robot Camera for Parcel Sorting Indicator Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parcel sorting systems require manual intervention to ensure that sorting indicators are visible on the top face of packages, leading to inefficiencies and increased processing time.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a second camera integrated into the gripping robot's hand to detect sorting indicators on the gripping face of packages before grasping, allowing automatic orientation and placement on the sorting conveyor, eliminating the need for manual turning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a suction cup gripping robot is used to automatically grasp and move packages onto the sorting conveyor, then automation level increases, but the sorting efficiency decreases when the sorting indicator is not visible on the top face of the package
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the sorting indicator on the gripping face before the package is grasped and placed on the sorting conveyor. The second camera mounted on the robotic gripper captures images of the gripping face during the approach phase, allowing the control unit to identify the presence and orientation of sorting indicators in advance. This preliminary action enables the system to pre-determine whether manual turning is needed, maintaining high automation while preventing efficiency loss.
2Reliability
If manual turning of packages is performed to make the sorting indicator visible, then the sorting indicator becomes detectable, but the processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the manual mechanical turning operation with an automated optical detection system. A second camera mounted on the robotic gripper captures images of the gripping face, and image processing algorithms automatically detect the sorting indicator's presence and orientation. This substitution eliminates the need for physical manipulation to verify indicator visibility, maintaining detection reliability while dramatically reducing processing time.
3Measurement precision
If a second camera is integrated into the robotic gripper's hand to detect sorting indicators on the gripping face, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second camera integrated into the robotic gripper serves multiple functions: it detects the sorting indicator's presence and orientation on the gripping face, and can potentially be used for other vision-guided grasping tasks. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by providing versatile detection capabilities that improve measurement precision without requiring separate dedicated systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the sorting indicator is placed on the side of the package rather than the top face, then package design flexibility increases, but the automated detection capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extends the detection capability from the traditional top-face view (first camera) to the side/gripping face view (second camera). By mounting a camera on the robotic gripper, the system can detect sorting indicators placed on any face of the package that will be visible during the grasping operation. This dimensional extension maintains package design flexibility while restoring automated detection capability regardless of indicator placement.
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
Enhances sorting efficiency by automating the detection and orientation of sorting indicators, reducing manual handling and streamlining the parcel sorting process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup gripping robot with a gripping hand with a palm from which said suction cups extend so as to grasp by suction said package to be individualized
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for feeding unsorted parcels (1) conveyed on a feed conveyor onto a sorting conveyor, wherein a first camera arranged above the feed conveyor forms a digital image of the unsorted parcels, a control-and-monitoring unit identifies a parcel to be separated, which parcel has a gripping face at the top of same which is not covered by any other parcel in the digital image of the unsorted parcels, the control-and-monitoring unit being configured to servo-control a gripper robot (6), which comprises a gripper hand (9) with a palm (10) from which suction cups (11) extend, so as to pick up the parcel to be separated identified in the digital image and deposit it on the sorting conveyor.