Vision-Guided Parcel Sortation With Dynamic Bin Reassignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parcel sortation systems are inefficient and costly due to reliance on human labor, mechanical complexity, and the need for a large number of collection bins, which limits throughput and flexibility in handling objects of varying sizes and weights.
Innovation Solution
An automated processing system that includes a perception system for identifying objects and a primary transport system to direct them to specific processing locations, with a singulation system to create a singulated stream of objects and secondary conveyors that divert objects to appropriate bins based on perception data, reducing the need for multiple collection bins and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If human workers manually sort parcels using handheld barcode scanners, then sortation can be performed with simple equipment, but labor costs are high and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scanning operations with an automated vision system that uses cameras and image processing to read barcodes and identify destinations, thereby eliminating the need for handheld scanners and human labor while significantly increasing throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service sortation by automatically capturing images of parcels, processing the visual data to identify destinations, and directing parcels to appropriate bins without human intervention, allowing the system to serve itself
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of collection bins are used to handle diverse objects, then sortation capacity increases, but space requirements and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bin assignment where collection bins are not permanently dedicated to specific destinations but are temporarily assigned based on real-time sortation needs. The system can reconfigure which bin receives objects for which destination, maximizing the utilization of fewer bins and reducing the total number of bins required
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the time dimension to bin assignment, transforming static destination-bin mappings into dynamic, time-varying assignments. This allows the same physical bin to serve multiple destinations at different times, effectively increasing sortation capacity without proportionally increasing the number of physical bins
3Device complexity
If fixed sequences of operations are used in sortation systems, then system control is simplified, but flexibility in handling varying object types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic routing where the destination assignment and bin selection are determined in real-time based on image recognition results and current system state, rather than following fixed predetermined sequences. This allows the system to adapt to varying object types and sortation requirements while maintaining manageable control through software-based decision logic
Data Source
AI summary
A processing system is disclosed for processing objects. The processing system includes a perception system for providing perception data regarding an object, and a primary transport system for providing transport of the object along a primary direction toward a processing location that is identified based on the perception data.