Vision-Guided Parcel Sortation With Dynamic Bin Assignment
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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, along with a singulation system to create a singulated stream of objects, enabling efficient sorting and distribution to appropriate collection bins or trays without the need for extensive manual intervention or high mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If human workers manually sort parcels using handheld scanners, then flexibility in handling various parcel types is maintained, but labor costs and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scanning and sorting operations with an automated vision-based identification system. Cameras and image processing algorithms automatically detect, recognize, and identify parcels, eliminating the need for handheld scanners and manual intervention while maintaining flexibility in handling diverse parcel types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parcels to be automatically identified and routed without human assistance. The vision system autonomously captures images, processes visual data, identifies parcel characteristics, and directs sorting actions, allowing the system to serve itself without requiring human workers to scan or sort each item.
2Measurement precision
If fixed or handheld barcode scanners are used, then code detection is possible, but the code location must be controlled or constrained for reliable detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static, fixed-position barcode scanners to a dynamic vision system that can capture images of parcels at various positions and orientations. The system adapts to different code locations by using image processing algorithms that can locate and recognize barcodes regardless of their position on the parcel surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision-based identification system serves multiple functions: it detects barcodes, recognizes parcel shapes, identifies colors, and determines orientations. This universal system replaces specialized barcode scanners with a multi-functional imaging system that can handle various identification tasks without requiring controlled code locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of collection bins are used to handle diverse object types, then sortation capacity increases, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of identification beyond traditional barcode scanning by using vision systems that can recognize objects based on shape, color, size, and other visual characteristics. This enables more sophisticated sorting capabilities without necessarily increasing the number of collection bins, as the system can dynamically assign objects to bins based on multiple attributes.
Data Source
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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.