Combination Weigher Camera Synthesis for Plan View Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to install cameras directly above the dispersing unit in combination weighing devices due to issues like foreign substance mixing and ceiling height restrictions, leading to incomplete or unclear visual information about the status of the dispersing unit and feeders, especially when using oblique or horizontal camera angles.
Innovation Solution
A combination weighing device with multiple cameras positioned other than directly above the dispersing unit, generating a plan view image by synthesizing their captured images, which includes the dispersing unit and radial feeders, allowing for real-time comprehension of the status and operational status, even with obstacles, and enabling setting adjustments based on initial camera positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a camera is disposed directly above the dispersing unit, then the operator can easily grasp the status of the dispersing unit and feeder, but it causes foreign substances to mix into the articles and creates installation difficulties due to ceiling height restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image processing technology as an intermediary to transform the captured images from oblique angles into a synthesized plan view image. This allows the operator to view the dispersing unit and feeders from a top-down perspective without physically placing the camera above the dispersing unit, thereby avoiding foreign substance contamination while maintaining operational visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the top-down view by synthesizing images captured from oblique angles. The synthesized plan view image replicates the visual information that would be obtained from a direct overhead camera position, allowing operators to monitor the system as if viewing from above without the physical presence of the camera causing contamination.
2Loss of information
If a camera is disposed directly above the dispersing unit, then a complete top-down view is obtained, but installation is difficult due to ceiling height restrictions and supply conveyor obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single camera positioned directly above the dispersing unit, the patent divides the imaging task into multiple segments by using multiple cameras positioned at different locations with oblique angles. Each camera captures a portion of the dispersing unit and feeders, and the images are synthesized to form a complete plan view, eliminating the need for high ceiling space and avoiding obstructions from supply conveyors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point overhead viewing dimension to a multi-point oblique viewing arrangement. By capturing images from multiple oblique angles and synthesizing them computationally, the system achieves a complete plan view perspective without requiring the camera to be positioned in the vertical dimension directly above the dispersing unit.
3Ease of manufacture
If cameras are disposed from oblique or horizontal directions, then installation is easier and foreign substance mixing is prevented, but the operator cannot instinctively grasp the conveyance amount of articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of a physical overhead camera position with a computational image synthesis system. Multiple cameras positioned from oblique directions capture images, and image processing algorithms synthesize these into a plan view that provides the operator with intuitive visual information about article conveyance amounts, eliminating the need for direct overhead camera positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is provided a combination weighing device that facilitates comprehension of the status of a dispersing unit and feeders in a case where it is difficult to dispose a camera looking down on the dispersing unit and the feeders directly above the dispersing unit of the combination weighing device. The combination weighing device (1) comprises a dispersing table, a plurality of radial feeders, a plurality of cameras (60), an image processing unit (35f), and a touch panel (10). The dispersing table receives a supply of a large number of articles and disperses the articles. The radial feeders are arranged to extend radially from the dispersing table, receive the articles dispersed by the dispersing table, and convey the articles in a direction away from the dispersing table. The cameras are disposed at a position other than a space directly above the dispersing unit and capture images of the dispersing table and the radial feeders. The image processing unit generates a plan view image of the dispersing table and the radial feeders by synthesizing the images captured by the cameras. The touch panel outputs the plan view image.